Vineyards & Winemaking
Viticulture
We work exclusively with dry-land (unirrigated) bush vines. Proper soil preparation, along with careful management of pests and weeds, is essential to maintaining healthy vineyard ecosystems.
Because most of the vineyards we partner with are more than thirty years old, their deeply established root systems draw on the full character of the soil, delivering the nutrients and flavour components that define our wines.
Our close relationships with our producers – and a shared understanding of our precise objectives – are fundamental to the way we work.
WINEMAKING
Our winemaking philosophy is rooted in the belief that the vineyard should be immortalised in the bottle with as little intervention as possible. We maintain that no miracles are needed in the cellar when we start with healthy, ripe grapes boasting low pH and excellent natural acidity.
In the cellar, we work exclusively with old barrels, and our Chenin Blancs frequently undergo spontaneous malolactic fermentation – a natural process that adds further depth and complexity to the wines.
Our cellar is situated at Diemerskraal in Wellington. Its central location ensures that grapes sourced from Stellenbosch, Darling, Paarl and the Swartland arrive at the winery before the morning breakfast hour. During the intense heat of February, reliable cooling and backup power are essential, and the cellar was specifically designed to accommodate these demands.
Vineyards
1974 Old Bush Vine Chenin Blanc
Location: Agter-Paarl
Every task in the vineyard is carried out with care and precision — from mulching and cover cropping to the ongoing stewardship of soil health. Planted in 1974, this Chenin Blanc vineyard has evolved into a collection of striking, large goblet-shaped bush vines. The surface soils consist of brittle koffieklip and decomposed Malmesbury shale, and the vineyard faces east.
The site yields wines with notable concentration, lifted floral aromas, and flavours of yellow and white stone fruit.
1954 Old Bush Vine Cinsaut
Location: Agter-Paarl
Every activity in the vineyard is undertaken with dedication and precision – from mulching and cover cropping to the careful management of soil health. This Cinsaut vineyard, established in 1954 at the crest of the hill, is rooted in weathered shale that is less stony and more decomposed than the soils of the 1974 Chenin Blanc site.
The vineyard imparts a naturally delicate acidity, refined minerality, and an appealing spectrum of red-fruited character, including notes of red cherry and raspberry.
Brand se Berg Chenin Blanc
Location: Agter-Paarl
These old, dry-land bush vines are planted close to the 1974 Chenin Blanc vineyard. The slope is also east-facing, with Malmesbury shale soils that contain a high proportion of clay, resulting in a slower ripening cycle compared to the 1974 site. Some of the vines are so large that Marius Jnr is dwarfed when standing among them.
In addition to expressive stone-fruit, citrus and mineral notes, the wines from this vineyard show a more refined character than those produced from the rockier 1974 Chenin Blanc site.
Die Kliphuis Chenin Blanc
Location: Paardeberg
Planted in 1977 on a hilltop with sweeping views – Table Mountain on the Cape Town side and the Boland mountains on the other – this vineyard is nothing short of a miracle given its sandy soils. Standing among the vines, the site feels remote and quietly isolated. The southern-facing slope is consistently cool and windswept, creating a distinctive microclimate that shapes the character of the fruit.
This vineyard yields wines of intensity, precision and linearity, marked by racy natural acidity, a saline edge, and layered citrus and herbaceous nuances.
Granaatfontein
Location: Paardeberg
Nollie, affectionately known as the “barefoot farmer,” delights in working with his hands in the soil. Devoted to his Swartland property, he approaches every task with energy and enthusiasm. Planting cover crops to enrich the soil is a practice he passionately upholds. In 1968, he planted the Chenin Blanc block on the mid-slopes of the Paardeberg, in sandy, decomposed granite soils. His exceptional Semillon vineyard also contributes to our Swartland white blend, Die Messelaar.
This site produces Chenin Blanc of remarkable precision, focus, and linearity.
Rhenosterbosrug Chenin Blanc
Location: Paardeberg
These old bush vines were planted in 1983. Careful vineyard practices, including the incorporation of organic material from the adjoining dairy farm, help maintain healthy and fertile soils. The vineyard is located on the lower slopes of the Paardeberg, in soils composed of decomposed granite and clay.
This site contributes vibrant citrus and hay notes, along with refined minerality, producing wines of elegance and layered texture.
Waterkloof
Location: Stellenbosch
A true heaven on earth, this vineyard was planted in 1976 high in a valley nestled between the Stellenbosch and Helderberg mountains.
The property is adorned with beautiful gardens, ancient trees, and flowing fountains, creating a breathtaking setting. Among these old bush vines, which produce our Donkermaan Chenin Blanc, the splendour of the surroundings is immediately apparent to any visitor.
Darling
Location: Darling
Planted in 1985 on decomposed granite soils, these Chenin Blanc and Cinsaut vineyards benefit from their proximity to the ocean and the milder climate of the Darling region.
As a recent addition to the Roodekrantz portfolio, we look forward to exploring these vineyards and unlocking their full potential.
