Unique in South Africa, this is a fascinating rendition of one of Hungary's best white grapes.
Tim Atkin MW
Hárslevelü, Lemberg
Better known as a variety in the great wines of Tokaji, at Lemberg Hárslevelü produces a dry white wine from vines planted in 1983.
Light straw colour. Dried peach, nectarine with subtle notes of orange peel, hints of bay leave. Delicate fruit flavours, quince like texture with pithy length.
Technical analysis
ALCOHOL
14.7 %
RESIDUAL SUGAR
2.9 g/L
pH
3.45
ACIDITY
5.6 g/L
ORIGIN
South Africa
WINEMAKER
Niel Russouw
VARIETY
Hárslevelü
TIME IN OAK
8 months (portion of blend)
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION
Partial
CLOSURE
Cork
BOTTLE SIZE
75cl
REGION
Tulbagh
VEGETARIAN
Yes
VEGAN
Yes
Vinification details
These grapes can handle some rough handling, but at the same time demands respect. Two thirds of the crop was whole bunch pressed. The extracted juice was handled quite oxidative, settled overnight and the clear juice then taken to older 600 Lt barrels to offset natural fermentation. The other third of the crop was partially fermented with the skins. Whole bunches are added to the bottom of the vessel and the rest de-stemmed and crushed on top of this – whole berries were vinified by carbonic maceration. This batch was pressed two days later, and juice taken directly to barrel. A selected yeast strain was added to the portion to ensure a healthy and complete fermentation. Barrel maturation for another eight months before blending and bottling. A further bottle maturation of 10 months before market release
Awards
Tim Atkin MW: 94 pts
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Hárslevelü, Lemberg
Better known as a variety in the great wines of Tokaji, at Lemberg Hárslevelü produces a dry white wine from vines planted in 1983.
Alternative methods in the making of this wine, including natural fermentation, carbonic maceration and orange winemaking, allowed for an ultra-premium blend of components. Delicate citrus and honeysuckle aromas on the nose, with layers of peach, marmalade and almond on the palate.
Technical analysis
ALCOHOL
14.7 %
RESIDUAL SUGAR
2.9 g/L
pH
3.45
ACIDITY
5.6 g/L
ORIGIN
South Africa
WINEMAKER
Niel Russouw
VARIETY
Hárslevelü
HARVEST DATE
February 2019
TIME IN OAK
8 months (portion of blend)
SULPHUR
Total: 107 Free: 27
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION
Partial
CLOSURE
Cork
BOTTLE SIZE
75cl
REGION
Tulbagh
VEGETARIAN
Yes
VEGAN
Yes
Vinification details
This wine combines the best of both old world and new world winemaking techniques to achieve maximum complexity from a single site vineyard. True to Lemberg tradition, 80% of the wine was oxidatively vinified by natural fermentation in older 500L French oak wine barrels. A further 15% was vinified by carbonic maceration after which the wine was fermented in a second-fill 300L Hungarian oak barrel. Lastly a minor 5% component of orange wine fermented in a Flex-cube brought the final touches of complexity to this wine. Individual components were aged on the gross lees for 8 months before blending and bottling.
Awards
Tim Atkin MW: 93 pts
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Hárslevelü, Lemberg
Better known as a variety in the great wines of Tokaji, at Lemberg Hárslevelü produces a dry white wine from vines planted in 1983.
The 2018 vintage marks the first 100% Hárslevelü estate wine from the young Lemberg vineyard. Presents unique and vibrant nuances of linden tree flower, orange zest and oak spice aromas on the nose. Charming layers of peach and marmalade on the palate with citrus-lime freshness.
Technical analysis
ALCOHOL
12.9 %
RESIDUAL SUGAR
3.5 g/L
pH
3.46
ACIDITY
5.8 g/L
ORIGIN
South Africa
WINEMAKER
Niel Russouw
VARIETY
Hárslevelü
HARVEST DATE
February 2018
TIME IN OAK
4 months
SULPHUR
Total: 78 Free: 23
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION
No
CLOSURE
Cork
BOTTLE SIZE
75cl
REGION
Tulbagh
VEGETARIAN
Yes
VEGAN
Yes
Vinification details
Vinified in a natural, minimalistic and more oxidative style and approach, the components are expressed in an old-world style and come to their full potential. 500 L French oak barrels were used to age the wine for 4 months.
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So rare and unusual in South Africa that winemakers in the grape’s native Hungary are keen to taste it...
Tim Atkin MWHárslevelü, Lemberg
Better known as a variety in the great wines of Tokaji, at Lemberg Hárslevelü produces a dry white wine from vines planted in 1983.
White flowers, peach and spice follow through on the textured, fresh palate with great length. The wine has a lingering, fresh, vibrant and lively acidity.
Technical analysis
ALCOHOL
13.9 %
RESIDUAL SUGAR
2.0 g/L
pH
3.40
ACIDITY
5.6 g/L
ORIGIN
South Africa
WINEMAKER
Niel Russouw
VARIETY
Hárslevelü
TIME IN OAK
10 months
SULPHUR
Total: 57 Free: 10
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION
No
CLOSURE
Cork
BOTTLE SIZE
75cl
REGION
Tulbagh
Vinification details
Made in a more natural, minimalistic and more oxidative style and approach, the components are expressed in an old-world style and come to their full potential. 500 L French oak barrels were used to age the wine for 10 months.
Awards
Tim Atkin MW: 93 pts
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This naturally fermented Hárslevelü from a 30-year-old vineyard is well worth tracking down.
Tim Atkin MW
Hárslevelü, Lemberg
Better known as a variety in the great wines of Tokaji, at Lemberg Hárslevelü produces a dry white wine from vines planted in 1983.
Notes of mandarin, citrus, apricot and honey meld with almond paste, green herbs and toasted pine nuts. One of the Cape's most unique and alluring wines.
Technical analysis
ALCOHOL
13.8 %
RESIDUAL SUGAR
2.2 g/L
pH
3.42
ACIDITY
5.4 g/L
ORIGIN
South Africa
WINEMAKER
Niel Russouw
VARIETY
Hárslevelü
HARVEST DATE
March 2014
TIME IN OAK
11 months
SULPHUR
Total: 66 Free: 7
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION
Yes
CLOSURE
Cork
BOTTLE SIZE
75cl
REGION
Tulbagh
Awards
Tim Atkin MW: 94 pts
Platter: 4*
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