Characteristics:
Elegant, cool climate Pinot Noir planted in the highly regarded maritime ward of Upper-Hemel-and-Aarde-Valley on northerly slopes at 180m above sea level, 5km from the cool South Atlantic Ocean. The wine is named after the owners’ son, Ernest. Part of the wine underwent spontaneous fermentation with native yeast strains. Aged on French 228L oak for 11 months, 20% new. Strawberries and cherries with a sense of salinity on the nose adding to the complexity and pureness. Vibrant density and structure paired with elegant tannins provide a long finish to the wine.

Food pairing:
Serve with pigeon d’Anjou or roast chicken. Pairs with lamb, served pink or with carpaccio, roast pork with herbs and fennel or sweetbreads. Dishes with morels and other wild mushrooms, or mushroom risotto. Tempting with roast salmon or grilled lobster. Vegetarian braised green vegetables with tomato dressing.

About this winery:
Céline Haspeslagh and Frederik Herten have been the young dynamic Belgian owners of Hasher Family Estate in the beautiful Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in South Africa since 2021. The winery on the banks of the Onrus river is 180 hectares in size and the focus lies on premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, for which the region has an excellent reputation. Their mission: terroir driven & elegant cuvées, with respect for the rich biodiversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom -recently rewarded with a WWF/World Wildlife Fund membership. Hasher can already be considered one of the valley’s leading sources of the best the country has to offer.