Timepiece is a new and innovative range from Jordan Wine Estate, Stellenbosch, celebrating the Jordan family heritage. Unique bottlings of old vine single-vineyards, from their estate older than 35 years, have been certified as heritage vineyards by the Old Vine Project.
“We are very excited to be releasing the Timepiece 2019 Chenin Blanc and 2020 Sauvignon Blanc, the first two wines in the Timepiece range, made from our oldest vineyards, planted in 1983 on Jordan Wine Estate by Ted Jordan, ” states Kathy Jordan.
The newly released wines were fermented and matured in a combination of older French oak barrels and clay amphorae for a total of 8 months, accentuating the complexity of flavours from their older vineyards. Amphorae are traditional clay pots that have been used in old-world wine regions for thousands of years for the fermentation and maturation of white and red wines.
“Using amphorae in the maturation process for both the old vine Chenin Blanc & Sauvignon Blanc, captures the unique integrity of the sites. The use of oak barrels gives body and structure to complete the wine,” says Sjaak Nelson, winemaker at Jordan for almost 24 years.
The Timepiece Chenin Blanc has a crystalline palate; supported by a bright acidity and a savoury finish from the fermentation in older oak, with charming aromas of angelica, quince and orchard fruits. The 2020 Sauvignon Blanc flavours are vibrant, in an old-world style, with a long, leesy, yet delicate finish, and hints of elderflower and honeydew melon.
“Throughout the next decade, the Timepiece range will grow and be made from maturing vineyards which have already been identified on Jordan Wine Estate. Vineyards will include, but are not limited to: Riesling, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon alongside the first release of Chenin Blanc & Sauvignon Blanc,” explains Jacques Steyn, General Manager of Jordan Wine Estate.
The four cardinal points depicted on the packaging, are found at varying altitudes on the hillside slopes at Jordan, enabling the planting of specially selected grape varieties on the ancient soils to ensure vineyard longevity and varietal clarity. This highlights the positive effects of the different meso-climates on the old vineyards, uniquely located at the upper end of Stellenbosch Kloof.
To acknowledge the Jordan heritage and the impact that founder Ted Jordan had on the vineyards, from the first plantings in 1983, the Timepiece logo is penned in his own hand and will, in perpetuity, connect his influence at Jordan Estate with the future generations who continue to farm these ancient soils – a true ancestral timepiece.
“Much of my life has been spent nurturing these gnarly old vines planted by my Dad, Ted many decades ago. I am confident that my son, Alex, will continue to cherish them too. These limited-release, heritage-certified, single vineyard wines ensure that our guests and customers are able to collect and enjoy our life’s work from our special estate in Stellenbosch.” – Gary Jordan.
Email: info@jordanwines.com
Tel: 021 881 3441
