Uva Mira 'The Mira' Cabernet Franc 2022

There are few varietals that capture our cool climate terroir as succinctly as Cabernet Franc, a cultivar that thrives in precise pockets of the Helderberg’s cooler terroir. Uva Mira’s Cabernet Franc vineyards are planted on Tukulu soils, on the west-facing slopes of the Estate, at altitudes as high as 470 metres above sea level. These cooler slopes create the ideal terroir for Cabernet Franc, which benefits from longer ripening periods before harvest. 

A golden thread runs through all Uva Mira’s handcrafted wines which speaks of elegance and this remains true with The Mira Cabernet Franc.

Vintage Conditions:

An exceptional cold winter and overall cool weather with above average rainfall made for the perfect growing season. Winter rainfall was 607 mm and there was snow on the peak of the Helderberg Mountain above the farm. A cool and wet budding season with less wind than expected during flowering, made for a challenging period. With 50 mm rain during ripening and temperatures rising moderately, we experienced a fairly cool period. Moisture levels remained favourable and overall the conditions were ideal – one of the best seasons experienced to date with excellent concentration and elegant flavour in our berries.

Maturation:

 17 Months in French oak barrels, 35 % new

Tasting Notes:

Light crimson red, with a super-expressive, gorgeously fragrant nose with a rush of rosewater and floral notes, coupled with terrifically pure red fruit pastille laced with earthy graphite and dried herbal notes. On the palate, the silken, supple quality of the fruit is immediately noticeable - matched by the delicate creamy texture and powdery and seamless tannins that are present but perfectly integrated. The fruit qualities build with incredible elegance and concentration, with red fruit flavours building until they release
on a dry finish punctuated by chalky minerals, vibrant acidity, and pencil shavings infused with sage and tobacco leaf.

TECHNICAL ANALYSIS