The Story: Elegance from the Slopes of Scherpenheuvel
Part of the XCellar Limited Edition, the Pinot Noir 2021 from Scherpenheuvel embodies craftsmanship, patience, and a deep respect for the art of winemaking. Its name, derived from the French words for “pine” and “black,” refers to the grape’s tightly clustered, pinecone-shaped bunches — a hallmark of this noble varietal. Known for its delicate nature and finesse, Pinot Noir produces wines of remarkable subtlety and character, and this vintage is no exception.
Vintage & Terroir
The 2021 vintage brought ideal conditions for Pinot Noir. With rapid cold accumulation from June through August — nearly double the previous year — bud break and flowering arrived later than usual, leading to a harvest two weeks behind schedule. This slower ripening allowed for perfect balance, higher acidity, and lower pH levels, resulting in exceptional fruit quality. Each bunch was hand-selected from Scherpenheuvel’s vineyards for its purity and potential.
In the Cellar
Borrows from ancient winemaking traditions, this Pinot Noir was vinified and barrel matured with precision and care. After destemming, the grapes were cold soaked for 3–4 days to enhance colour and flavour extraction. A portion of juice was drawn off to intensify skin contact before fermentation, which was completed in barrel. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation and was then matured in French oak barrels for 12 months, adding structure and complexity.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Medium-bodied with a clear garnet hue.
- Aromas: Classic red cherries, spice, and a subtle savoury edge.
- Palate: Juicy and elegant with gentle yet defined tannins. The cherry fruit carries through beautifully, backed by spice and minerality.
- Finish: Long, clean, and lingering with a pure sour cherry note.
This refined Pinot Noir balances freshness and complexity, promising graceful ageing for 6–8 years.
Food Pairing
Perfect alongside grilled tuna, salmon, pork belly, or quail. Its elegance and acidity also complement earthy mushroom dishes and mild cheeses.
Our Guarantee: 100% Happiness Assured!
Like every XCellar Limited Edition wine, your satisfaction is guaranteed. If you don’t absolutely love it, we’ll arrange a full credit or refund — because every bottle should be nothing short of extraordinary.
Technical Details
| W.O. | Scherpenheuvel |
|---|---|
| VINTAGE: | 2021 |
| TIER: | XCellar Limited Edition |
| VARIETAL: | Pinot Noir 100% |
| ALCOHOL: | 12.8% |
| RESIDUAL SUGAR: | 4.5 g/L |
| TOTAL ACIDITY: | 6.5 g/L |
| pH: | 3.6 |
