Important South African Cultivars

This is our Pinotage – 1968 planted (54 year old) bushvine vineyard, grown on Langkloof Farm using organic practices by Scholtz Rossouw. Made again by Jurgen Gouws (of Intellego).We absolutely adore northern Italian reds here at Ex Animo. Pinotage, weirdly enough, when made without massive extraction and from quality fruit, can remind us of a crunchy Dolcetto d'Alba. Enjoy.

The first Myburgh to farm at Joostenberg was Philipus Albertus Myburgh and 5-generations later the Myburgh name is still tilling the soil and acting as custodians of this little patch of earth. This is a classic style Cabernet Sauvignon, made to be a bold but easy drinking wine.

The grapes were hand-picked, 70% were destemmed and the remainder were left as whole-clusters. Natural fermentation occured in small, open-topped fermenters. Then maturation occured in concrete egg (37%) and oak barrels (63%) for 10 months before bottling.

If you’re looking for a Chardonnay that prioritises energy and elegance over heavy oak and "butter-bomb" richness, you’ve found it. Made by Lukas Van Loggerenberg—one of the modern stars of the South African wine scene—this bottle is a masterclass in balance.

Geronimo was 'born from a leap of faith’. At a time when Cinsault was often made in a lighter, sweeter style, Lukas believed the variety was capable of far more. By focusing on structure, purity and longevity, Geronimo has become his expression of what South African Cinsault can be when treated with the same seriousness as the country's great wines. Geronimo is all about the tannins.

From Rustenhof farm in Firgrove, Stellenbosch. 60% whole-bunch fermentation. 60% matured for nine months in barrel, 40% in concrete. Aromatics of cranberry, orange, pomegranate, rose, herbs and white pepper. The palate is entirely seductive with lovely fruit expression, snappy acidity and powdery tannins. Pretty without ever seeming frivolous, it is succulent, vivid and remarkably complete. Alc: 13%. CE’s rating: 96 | Delcious - Winemag.co.za

This single-vineyard Grenache Noir is named after the winemaker's daughter, Lua. He says it's a wine he loves making, and he loves everything about the vineyard, despite the variety being finicky and needing to be protected.
The grapes come from a dryland bush vine vineyard in Piekenierskloof, located at 650m on sandstone soils.

Described as a "serious" Grenache, the wine sits at a "sweet spot" of 14% ABV. It's noted for its smoky, fine tannins and for having both substance and flavour while remaining zippy and structured.
" Grapes for a Piekenierskloof vineyard planted in 1998. 25% whole-bunch fermentation. Black berries, wilted rose, fynbos, earth and spice on the nose while the palate shows dense fruit, big acidity and firm but not coarse tannins. Pure and deep with no impression of sweetness – substantial but not ponderous, powerful yet precise. Alc: 14.2%. 95/100” - Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za

The fruit comes from a 27-year-old, dry-farmed bush-vine vineyard on neighbouring Klipdam Farm in the south-western corner of Paarl. Its clay-rich Malmesbury shale soils produce a characterful, beautifully balanced wine with juicy notes of lychee, cantaloupe and pear. Medium-bodied and gently expressive, the palate is fruit-driven without being overtly sweet, concluding with a crisp, bone-dry finish.

The grapes were whole-bunch pressed and fermented in seasoned barriques, followed by nine months of maturation on the lees. Made with minimal intervention, sulphur was the only additive used.

Single Vineyard Certified (100% Grenache blanc)
W.O. Klein Karoo
Inspired by working with continental climate Grenache Blanc in Spain’s Priorat & Montsant regions. From a single vineyard in the Klein Karoo, 460m altitude, on shale soils. Fermentation in 40% stainless steel, 60% 400L & 500L French oak. The good rainfall resulted in low pH's, a more delicate aromatic profile of lime zest and chamomile with a lean saline acidity and weightless texture. Beautifully dry and with good aging potential.

“Elusive aromatics of lime, white peach, flowers and herbs. The palate is lean but not insubstantial, showing admirable fruit purity and invigorating acidity before a finish that is dry but not aggressively so. Ethereal although that acidity can’t be ignored. 93/100 | Classic” Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za

100% Pinot Noir
Hemel-En-Aarde Ridge/Overberg

Sourced from two vineyards in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge and Overberg regions, this 100% Pinot Noir was harvested in late February and early March 2024. The grapes were naturally fermented in open-top fermenters with a focus on gentle extraction before spending 10 months aging in French oak barrels.

“Matured for 10 months in barrel, 100% new. Cranberry, cherry, red apple, hints of musk and herbs plus a little smoky reduction on the nose while the palate is lean in the best sense with fresh acidity and chalky tannins. Focused and precise, the most assured release to date. 93/100”

- Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za

Chenin Blanc

A profound single-vineyard expression of Swartland Chenin Blanc, exclusively from a historic site in Piketberg. Planted in 1961, 4-hectares of dryland, organically farmed bush vines in sandstone soils at 100m altitude. The wine's complexity comes from six different, strategic harvest picks in late January, resulting in a subtle yet concentrated and punchy profile. After whole bunch pressing, the wine undergoes natural full malolactic fermentation and is aged for 11 months on its gross lees in Foudre and Stainless Steel, ensuring depth and texture alongside freshness.

“From a Piketberg vineyard planted in 1961. Two-thirds matured in stainless-steel tank, one-third in foudre. The nose shows pear, peach, talc and dried herbs. The palate is linear and energetic – great fruit definition and a super-dry finish.” - Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za

Ex Animo’s first W.O. Constantia wine is a Sauvignon Blanc that is not overtly racy in style. Instead, it is a more structured and balanced wine. The wine has a distinct saline quality, subtle, briny, mineral-like character, with tropical notes is often associated with wines from the coastal region. These fruit-forward and linear notes combined with its well-integrated acidity, makes for a refreshing and vibrant Sauvignon Blanc.