Description
Vintage: 2019
Origin: Stellenbosch
Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon 59.5% / Petit Verdot 11.5% / Malbec 11.5% / Cabernet Franc 6% / Merlot 11.5%
Donatus is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Merlot from 5 vineyards on the slopes of the Stellenbosch Mountain.
Tasting Notes:
This nose is bursting with flavours of blackcurrant and liquorice. The palate is refined and elegant with silky tannins. On the palate flavours of blackberry and cassis are abundant, with hints of dark cherry and cedar wood.
Vintage Conditions:
Donatus is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Franc from five vineyards on the slopes of the Stellenbosch Mountain. The soil consists of red decomposed granite and a high clay content. Clay has a cooling effect as it retains water and keeps the roots cool and leads to the slow ripening of the grapes. The 2019 vintage was a fantastic year at Dornier. The vineyards showed impeccable balance, with small bunches and berries with concentrated flavours.
Fermentation and Ageing:
The grapes are picked by hand, and the berries are sorted in the cellar to ensure that only the best fruit is used for the wine. The different varieties are fermented separately in open top fermenters, with pump overs performed four times daily. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrel, and the wine spends a further 22 months maturing in French oak, a third of which is new. The wine is blended after maturation, which allows us to select the finest components for the final wine.
Food Pairing:
This wine will pair excellently with lamb, venison or rare beef fillet. It will also work well with springbok carpaccio, beef or lamb stews prepared with red wine and tomatoes, and earthy, rich vegetarian dishes.
