Crystallum Cuvée Cinema Pinot Noir 2021

Region and Vineyards

The Cuvée Cinéma Pinot Noir is produced from a single vineyard located in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge area, at an altitude of 300 meters above sea level. This elevated site is one of the highest in the region, benefiting from a moderate climate that extends the ripening period, allowing for a late harvest and optimal flavor development. The vineyard is situated on a southeast-facing slope, which receives cooling breezes from nearby Walker Bay, imparting a characteristic freshness and vibrancy to the wine.

The vineyard is planted with Dijon clones of Pinot Noir, chosen for their ability to produce concentrated, complex fruit. The clay and shale soils of the site naturally limit vine vigor and reduce crop levels, enhancing the intensity of the fruit. The combination of elevation, soil type, and cool coastal influences creates a unique terroir, reflected in the Cuvée Cinéma's balance of ripe fruit, fresh acidity, and savory complexity.

Winemaking

The Cuvée Cinéma Pinot Noir was crafted with a focus on minimal intervention to highlight the purity of the fruit. The grapes were hand-harvested and fermented using indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks. About 60% of the fruit was left as whole clusters, which contributed to the wine's structure and phenolic grip. This method enhances the wine’s complexity by adding a slight tannic edge and savory nuances.

Following fermentation, the wine was aged for 11 months in 228-litre old French oak barrels. The use of older oak ensures that the oak influence remains subtle, allowing the wine’s fruit character and natural freshness to shine through. The result is a wine that is elegant and precise, with layers of spice, fruit, and savory elements unfolding over time.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby red with a vibrant core.
• Aroma: The nose is expressive, with pronounced notes of brambles, black cherry, and spices, complemented by hints of aniseed.
• Palate: On the palate, the wine offers a fine balance of plush red fruit such as wild strawberries, alongside savory hints of tomato leaf and pomegranate. The wine has a firm phenolic grip, leading to an elegant, spiced finish with a refreshing, saline edge.

Did you know?

The vineyard for the Cuvée Cinéma is located in one of the highest parts of Hemel-en-Aarde, at 300 meters above sea level. The name "Cinéma" reflects the dramatic landscape and the precision of the winemaking process, much like crafting a cinematic masterpiece. The cooling sea breezes from Walker Bay contribute to the wine’s signature freshness, a hallmark of Pinot Noir from this region.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Herb-roasted lamb: The savory notes and spice in the wine complement the rich, herbaceous flavors of the lamb, while the acidity cuts through the fat.
• Wild mushroom risotto: The earthy mushrooms enhance the wine's savory and complex nature, while the acidity balances the creaminess of the dish.
• Peking duck with hoisin sauce: The plush red fruit of the wine pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory elements of the duck, while the spice adds an extra dimension.
• Grilled tuna with a soy-ginger glaze: The wine’s acidity and saline finish work harmoniously with the richness of the tuna and the umami flavors of the glaze.

History of Crystallum Estate

Crystallum was founded in 2007 by brothers Peter-Allan and Andrew Finlayson, who hail from a family deeply rooted in the South African wine industry. Their father, Peter Finlayson, was a pioneer in the production of cool-climate wines in South Africa, particularly at Bouchard Finlayson, where he established a reputation for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Following in their father’s footsteps, Peter-Allan and Andrew ventured into winemaking after university, sourcing fruit from some of the most prestigious vineyards in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.

From humble beginnings, Crystallum quickly gained recognition for producing world-class wines. Peter-Allan Finlayson, who has since taken on the role of head winemaker, has been instrumental in evolving the winery’s style. His focus has always been on minimal intervention and allowing the vineyard’s natural character to shine through in every bottle. Today, Crystallum is one of South Africa’s most highly regarded boutique wineries, exporting its wines to wine lovers and collectors around the world.

Region and Vineyards

Crystallum’s wines are primarily sourced from the Hemel-en-Aarde region, a part of South Africa’s Cape South Coast that is renowned for its cool, maritime climate. This region is ideal for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, which moderates the temperature and extends the grape ripening period.

The vineyards are located on a mix of clay, shale, and quartz soils, each of which contributes to the complexity and structure of the wines. The Clay Shales vineyard, a single-vineyard site used for one of Crystallum’s most famous Chardonnays, sits at an altitude of 300 meters, benefiting from cooling sea breezes that preserve the freshness and natural acidity in the grapes. The careful selection of vineyard sites ensures that Crystallum’s wines are both expressive of their terroir and structured for ageing.

Wine Range

Crystallum is best known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The winery produces several single-vineyard wines, each showcasing the unique characteristics of their respective sites. Among their standout wines are:

• Clay Shales Chardonnay: A single-vineyard Chardonnay known for its rich texture and vibrant acidity, reflecting the influence of the clay and shale soils in which the vines are grown.
• Cuvée Cinéma Pinot Noir: Sourced from a high-altitude vineyard, this Pinot Noir is renowned for its bright red fruit, savory complexity, and fine tannic structure.
• Bona Fide Pinot Noir: A delicate, refined Pinot Noir with savory and earthy notes, balanced by bright fruit and a persistent finish.
• Peter Max Pinot Noir: A vibrant and fruit-driven wine with a fine balance between acidity and tannin, representing the cool-climate style of the Hemel-en-Aarde region.

All Crystallum wines are fermented using indigenous yeasts and aged in French oak barrels, with a focus on subtle oak influence to allow the natural fruit expression to shine through.

Did you know?

Crystallum’s winemaker, Peter-Allan Finlayson, is part of one of South Africa’s most illustrious wine families. His father, Peter Finlayson, was the first winemaker in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, making him a trailblazer in the production of cool-climate wines in South Africa. Peter-Allan and Andrew’s decision to follow in their father’s footsteps while carving their own identity with Crystallum has been widely praised in the wine world.