Pieter Ferreira, Birdsong Extra Brut 2018

A refined, light golden straw colour with a fine lively mousse and a great complexity of aromatics. Pronounced and rich yeasty tones on entry, layered with bright green lime zest to citrus aromas from the Chardonnay. Followed by raspberry notes and sweet sour cherry fruit aromas, from the Pinot Noir. Brilliant brightness due to long lees ageing with well-structured layers. Bright long lingering finish.

Country: South Africa

Region: Robertson, Stellenbosch

Grapes: Chardonnay 61% & Pinot Noir 39%

ABV: 12%

No introductions are required for Mr and Mrs Bubbles themselves. Ann, the owner, and Pieter, the winemaker, at Pieter Ferreira are nothing short of South African legends. 

Pieter has always been a fearless boundary breaker when it comes to producing some of the world’s best bubbly – his journey started out with three harvests in Champagne before returning to South Africa where he chairs the Cap Classique Association and is a member of the Cape Winemakers Guild. The Extra Brut 2017 is no exception to his rule of excellence.

The 2018 vintage produced Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with great elegance. This release offers wonderful balance, ripe fruit and restraint. The Chardonnay and Pinot Noir were hand-selected and hand-picked. After whole bunch pressing with the separation of cuvée from the taille the clear juice was fermented in stainless steel. Only cuvée juice is used for fermentation. After the first fermentation, the wine was blended and prepared for secondary fermentation in the bottle. The wine stays on the lees for 54 months and then is riddled and disgorged.