Elia Palazzesi Rosso di Montalcino 2021 vs Iona Pinot Noir 2023

Iona Pinot Noir 2023

Nestled at 420 m above sea level in the cool-climate Elgin Valley, Iona Winery produces some of South Africa’s finest Pinot Noir. Founded by Andrew Gunn, the estate benefits from a long growing season and ideal conditions for cool-climate viticulture, resulting in wines that are elegant, complex, and expressive of their terroir. Organic and biodynamic principles guide the vineyard management, ensuring healthy soils, minimal intervention, and natural pest control with a resident flock of geese. Iona Pinot Noir has gained recognition for its refined structure, vibrant acidity, and age-worthy potential, making it a standout among premium South African wines. Viticulture Iona employs organic practices across its vineyards, with minimal intervention during the growing season. Grapes are hand-harvested to ensure only the best fruit is selected for the wines. Winemaking Grapes are hand-harvested into small crates and spent overnight in a cold room. Extensive hand sorting is carried out prior to destemming, which is performed without crushing. The grapes undergo a cold soak for 5–7 days before natural fermentation in open-top fermenters. Gentle punch downs and pump overs are performed twice daily as required, with fermentation temperatures peaking at 28°C. The wine is then transferred to 300 L French oak barrels, where malolactic fermentation occurs (20% new oak, remainder in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th fill). Maturation lasts 15 months on the lees. Following barrel ageing, wines from Kroon and Beeskamp vineyards are blended 50/50 in stainless steel tanks and clarified naturally for two months before bottling. Tasting Note The wine is perfumed with a floral nose of rose petals, black and red cherries, strawberries, and subtle spice. On the palate it is textured, succulent, and complex, with vibrant acidity and fine-grained, chalky tannins, culminating in a long, savoury finish. A classic, focused Pinot Noir with excellent ageing potential. Food Matching Pairs beautifully with Beef Bo