Crystallum Litigo Pinot Noir 2023

Region and Vineyards

Litigo Pinot Noir is sourced from the coastal Litigo vineyard, situated just outside the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge in South Africa’s Overberg region. The south-facing slopes of this vineyard allow the vines to receive cooler temperatures, prolonging ripening and enhancing aromatic complexity. The soils, composed of Bokkeveld shale and clay, contribute to the wine’s elegant, lighter style.

The 2023 vintage began with a dry, warm start and early bud break, followed by cooler and wetter weather in December that extended the ripening period. Sporadic rainfall in February had minimal impact on the early-ripening Pinot Noir. The resulting wines from this vintage are both focused and slightly riper than previous years.

Winemaking

Crystallum Litigo 2023 is crafted with precision, using 20% whole bunches, while the remaining fruit was de-stemmed and kept as whole berries. Fermentation was carried out in stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts, followed by an extended five-week post-fermentation maceration on the skins.

After pressing and settling, the wine was aged in French oak barrels (10% new) for 11 months, allowing for subtle oak integration while preserving the wine’s bright fruit character.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright ruby with a light, translucent hue.
• Aroma: A delicate floral bouquet featuring notes of mulberry and wild herbs, underpinned by fresh earthiness.
• Palate: Fine, sappy tannins and a vibrant acidity drive the palate, leading to flavors of red berries and subtle herbal undertones. The finish is long and gracefully nuanced.

Did you know?

The name Litigo, meaning "discussion" in Latin, reflects the vineyard’s joint ownership by Crystallum and a lawyer friend of winemaker Peter-Allan Finlayson. It is a nod to their shared vision and passion for winemaking.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Herb-crusted rack of lamb: The herbal undertones and fine tannins pair beautifully with the savory herbs and tender lamb.
• Wild mushroom and thyme risotto: The earthy flavors complement the wine’s floral and herbal nuances.
• Grilled salmon with dill sauce: The wine’s bright acidity balances the richness of the salmon and the fresh dill.
• Goat cheese tart with caramelized onions: The delicate structure and acidity cut through the creaminess of the cheese and the sweetness of the onions.

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.