Jam Jar Sweet Red Blend
“A bold blend, the Jam Jar Sweet Red Blend showcases a lovely core of dark and red fruit which mingles with baking spices, vanilla, and cinnamon.”
Winemakers: Clayton Christians
Varietal Blend: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Malbec, 14 % Merlot
Location: South Africa
Appellation: Western Cape
Alcohol Content: 12.77%
TA: 5.2 g/l
pH: 3.61
RS: 40.9 g/l
Accolades: “Hot Prospect” Shanken’s Impact Newsletter
Certifications: Integrated Production of Wines (IPW) Certified
Other: Gluten Free, Vegan Friendly
VINEYARDS
Grapes were sourced from select vineyard sites in Paarl and Stellenbosch. The Cab- ernet Sauvignon from the Paarl area comes from 16-21 year old vines planted in soils with excellent moisture retention properties. A smaller separate portion of Cabernet Sauvignon is planted in Stellenbosch in soils of decomposed granite, with vines rang- ing from 6-15 years old. The Shiraz also hails from Paarl, benefiting from warm day temperatures and cool nights.
VINTAGE
Winter rainfall was higher than the previous two winters. Irregular temperatures from winter until the flowering period, together with cool growing conditions, led to great variations in the vineyards. The cool weather and regular rain showers led to less water stress for the vines during ripening. Harvest time was characterized by regular rain showers.
VINIFICATION & MATURATION
The grapes were harvested in the cool early morning hours. They were then de- stemmed and crushed. The Cabernet Sauvignon was fermented on the skins for approximately seven days, with regular pump overs. It was then pressed and racked to stainless steel tanks to complete alcoholic fermentation and undergo malolactic fermentation. About 20 % of the Cabernet Sauvignon was aged in third fill barrels for approximately 12 months. The Malbec and Merlot were also fermented in stainless steel tanks with gentle pump-overs performed regularly. The wine was then pressed and returned to tank. All three wines were then blended with minor adjustments made to ensure the residual sugar concentration is within spec.
