Producer >
This boutique winery was founded in 1989 by renowned Burgundian winemaker, Paul Bouchard and South African Pinot Noir pioneer, Peter Finlayson. Situated in the cool climate Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in Walker Bay, 110 kilometres south east of Cape Town, the 22 hectares of vineyard are laid out according to Burgundian principles and more than half are planted with Pinot Noir. Vines are densely planted at 9,000 vines per hectare and green harvesting takes place at veraison (change of colour of grape pigmentation) in order to develop flavour concentration. The vineyards have soils of a distinctive clay-rich Bokkeveld shale (gravel and shale) and the nearby, cold ocean provides a cooling effect on the land. The winery is a leader in responsible agriculture and a pioneer for the World Wide Fund for Nature Conservation. In addition to the acclaimed Pinot Noirs, Bouchard Finlayson also produce highly rated Chardonnays, Sauvignon Blancs and Rieslings.
Viticulture >
The meticulous viticulture approach is based on the Burgundian principal of high-density planting with low yields from individual vines. 9000 vines are planted per hectare, one metre apart, in five rows. The sixth row is missing to facilitate maintenance of the vines and to avoid compaction of the soils. High density planting encourages greater surface of leaf exposure and restricts root growth, thereby improving fruit concentration, which is so essential to the making of truly great wines. Green harvesting is done at veraison, usually removing about 35% of the potential crop. Picking is done by hand with up to three separate passes through the vineyards to ensure that only the grapes at optimum ripeness are picked. The cool climate of Walker Bay is perfect for our Pinot Noir and largely influenced by the nearby cold Atlantic Ocean, rendering it one of the coolest wine growing areas in the Cape. The Hemel-en-Aarde valley is surrounded and sheltered by a mountain barrier – formed by the Galpin Peak at 810m and the Tower of Babel at 1200m – trapping the cloud cover and moisture brought in from the sea by the prevailing wind. Summer conditions are consequently warm rather than hot, and winter conditions are mild and frost-free. The sea breezes
Winemaking >
The use of whole grape bunches or clusters during fermentation, is a much discussed subject, as it
plays a significant role in the general feel, as well as the aromatic composition of the eventual
wine. Apart from the intended style, fruit ripeness and health determine the amount included,
where 20% of this vintage was not destemmed. Following an average of 21 days on skin, the wines
were delicately pressed and barrelled down to French oak for 11 months maturation.
Pinot Noir
14.14
SOUTH AFRICA
6
Cork
Bouchard Finlayson
Vegan
Vegetarian 
Fact Sheet
