Steenberg is located less than 20 minutes from Cape Town. The farm covers a total of 203 hectares, of which 60 hectares are planted exclusively with vines growing between 60 and 160 meters above sea level. The vines face northwest, allowing for maximum sunlight. Temperatures are surprisingly cool thanks to the mild, cooling sea breeze. At the winery, the winemakers cultivate 60% white vines, primarily Sauvignon Blanc, followed by Chardonnay and Sémillon. The 40% red vines are divided into Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz. Steenberg is one of the few wineries to also cultivate the Italian Nebbiolo grape. The wines are typically ideal companions, with well-defined acidity and fruity expression.
The Brut 1682 Pinot Noir is made using the traditional French method and is designated as Méthode Cap Classique. The grapes were hand-harvested at low sugar levels and pressed in whole bunches. The extracted juice is low in phenols, has high natural acidity, and has a delicate pink color and a fine strawberry flavor. The juice ferments with a strong yeast strain to form the MCC base wine. Once the base wine has stabilized, it undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle under a crown cap. This second fermentation creates the bubbles. After fermentation, the wine matures on its lees for at least 14 months before bottling.
The Pinot Noir 1682 Brut radiates a pale pink color in the glass. The fresh and fruity aromas immediately envelop you. Raspberries, strawberries, red apple peel, and toasted brioche are clearly present. The wine has a very fine mousse that lifts the raspberry-like aromas and is well-balanced with a creamy texture and bright acidity, with a lingering dry finish.
