Stellenbosch is 40km east of Cape Town. Simonsberg Mountain in the
north separates it from Paarl, while the Hottentot Holland Mountain
range on the eastern side separates it from Walker Bay. False Bay
lies roughly 20km to the south.
Vineyards cover the gently
rolling hills of Stellenbosch, from Helderberg in the south to the
lower slopes of Simonsberg Mountain in the north. This terrain
allows for a lot of variation in wine styles, and microclimates
suitable for the cultivation of all sorts of grape varieties can be
found among the exposed hills and sheltered valleys.
Granite
and sandstone soils are found throughout Stellenbosch. Their high
clay content means that while they are free-draining, they have
excellent water-retention properties. Sufficient rainfall in winter
allows growers to keep irrigation to a minimum. Much has been made
of the suitability of the soils in Stellenbosch for the production
of premium red-wine grapes in particular.
The region's
climate is relatively hot and dry, although a maritime influence
comes from False Bay in the south. Cooling south-easterly breezes
wash through the vineyards in the afternoons, refreshing the grapes
after the morning's hot sun. White-wine varieties are often planted
closer to the ocean where this effect is more pronounced.
Such is the variation of terroir here that Stellenbosch is divided
into many different wine-producing areas. The wards of Banghoek,
Bottelary, Papegaaiberg, Polkadraai Hills, Devon Valley, Jonkershoek
Valley and Simonsberg-Stellenbosch are all recognized by the Wine of
Origin scheme. The unofficial areas of Helderberg and
Stellenboschkloof also have their own distinctive wine styles.
Paarl is located 60 kilometres inland from Cape Town and just north
of Stellenbosch. Paarl's huge variation of terroir gives wine farms
opportunities to experiment with many different grape varieties and
blends.
The town of Paarl is bordered on the east by the
Boland Mountains and on the west by the imposing Paarl Rock. As a
district, it encompasses the wards of VoorPaardeberg and
Simonsberg-Paarl. Franschhoek Valley can be found 25km south-west of
Paarl, and Stellenbosch lies just beyond the Simonsberg Mountain, a
large granite outcrop that forms a part of the Cape Fold Belt.
Paarl's vineyards are found on the lower slopes of Paarl Rock,
on the northern side of Simonsberg Mountain and in the valley of the
Berg River. The two mountains provide well-drained granite and shale
soils for the vines, while the soil on the valley floor is more
sandstone-based. Vineyards grown on the upper slopes benefit from
these nutrient-poor soils: vines are forced to dig deeper for
nourishment, making them stronger and inhibiting yields. As a
result, wines that are produced from vineyards higher up on the
Paarl and Simonsberg Mountains tend to be of a more premium quality.
Paarl's climate is relatively hot compared to the more
coastal areas of the Western Cape. Long, hot summers and cold, rainy
winters are typical of the area. Rainfall is moderate to high, but
such is the heat that vineyards are often irrigated over summer to
help cool the plants. The Atlantic Ocean, 60km away, has a small
amount of influence in the form of a cooling afternoon breeze.
Elgin 65km southeast of Cape Town, is
located in a basin nestled among the Hottentots-Holland Mountains,
which separate it from the famous Stellenbosch region. Elgin rises
between 250m to 400m above sea level and this (coupled with
prevailing southerly winds) contributes to the cool climate that
characterizes its terroir and wines.
Proximity to the South
Atlantic Ocean, just 12km away, means lower average temperatures
over summer and refreshing early-morning mists. This combination of
climate-moderating factors makes for slower, more-gradual ripening
and thus more-balanced wines with great depth and complexity of
flavour.
The topography
gently undulates across the Elgin Valley, providing wine growers
with a diverse selection of sites on which to plant their vines. The
soil profile also varies, with gravel, sandstone, clay and weathered
shale all contributing to the terroir.
Robertson is a wine-producing area in the Breede River Valley region
of the Western Cape, 160km) east of Cape Town. The area covers the
land directly surrounding the town of Robertson, from the ward of
Eilandia in the west to Bonnievale in the east. It is separated from
the semi-arid Klein Karoo region in the north by the Langeberg
Mountains. The Breede River meanders through the region, and many of
Robertson's scattered vineyards sit along its tributaries, as well
as on the foothills of the mountains.
The dry, hot climate
in Robertson is optimal for the production of premium grapes. Annual
rainfall is a scant 400mm, and the river is used often for
irrigation. However, south-easterly breezes from the Indian Ocean
90km away have a cooling effect on the vineyards and bring moisture
to the area. Occasional mists also bring refreshing coolness.
While daytime temperatures can get up to 30°C /
85°F, evenings are much cooler. This diurnal temperature variation
means that the grapes have a chance to cool down overnight, letting
them retain acidity while still developing rich flavor profiles.
Winters are relatively cold, allowing the vines a period of dormancy
before the next growing season.
The distinctive medley of
soil types gives wine farms in Robertson plenty of options when it
comes to site selection. Rich, alluvial soils in the river valley
are perfect for the production of red wine, while red, gravelly
soils reminiscent of the nearby Karoo desert are well suited to
white-wine varieties. Chardonnay grapes thrive on the pockets of
limestone soil found throughout Robertson. High levels of lime in
the soil give a chalky minerality to the resultant wines, much like
in the region of Chablis in France.
Hemel-en-Aarde (which means "heaven and earth" in the Afrikaans
language) is a wine-producing area of Walker Bay in the Western Cape
of South Africa, about 80 kilometers southeast of Cape Town. The
region's close proximity to the coast means that it enjoys a
distinctly maritime climate. Elegant, cool-climate wines made from
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with a certain degree of Burgundian style
are a particular specialty of the region, which has considerably
increased its international reputation in recent years.
The
Hemel-en-Aarde viticultural zone lies in a valley that extends 27km
northeast-wards from the whale-watching town of Hermanus on the
coast. It is divided into three wards each with a distinct Wine of
Origin designation. Hemel-en-Aarde Valley is situated closest to the
sea, though the vineyards of Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley rarely lie
further than 15km from Walker Bay. Furthest inland is the
Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge WO. The wider region is bordered on the north
side by the Babylonstoren Mountains, and on the south by the
Kleinrivier Mountains. The Onrust River runs through the valley.
The Antarctic Benguela current of the Atlantic Ocean brings
cooling breezes to the area, predominantly from the south-east. This
oceanic influence means that average summer temperatures in
Hemel-en-Aarde are significantly cooler than regions further inland
such as Stellenbosch and Paarl. Clouds are hemmed in by the
surrounding mountains, trapping cool air and moisture in the narrow
Hemel-en-Aarde valley.
Vineyards stretch along the valley
floor, but also reach up the foothills of the mountains to altitudes
of up to 350m above sea level. White wine grape varieties such as
Chardonnay prefer the shaded south-facing slopes, while red-wine
grape varieties such as Pinot Noir do well on the north-facing
slopes that have greater access to sunlight. The exposure to both
sun and wind on these slopes leads to a longer ripening period,
allowing the vines to produce grapes with concentrated flavors and
good acidity.
The soils in the region are largely Bokkeveld
shale, Table Mountain sandstone and decomposed granite. These
provide excellent drainage, particularly on elevated vineyards,
causing the vines to grow deep, strong root systems. Low fertility
in these soils ensures the vines do not waste precious energy on
producing foliage. The high clay content of the soils found in
Hemel-en-Aarde is reminiscent of the Cote d'Or in Burgundy.
Franschhoek Valley is a broad vineyard-lined valley in the southeast
corner of Paarl, in South Africa's Western Cape. This small valley
is home to some of South Africa's most famous wine estates and has
been producing wine since the 17th Century. Shiraz and Cabernet
Sauvignon are the key grapes behind Franschhoek's full-bodied red
wines.
The vineyards of Franschhoek sit within a clearly
defined valley. The Wemmershoek Mountains to the north separate it
from the Breede River Valley, while the Groot Drakenstein and
Franschhoek Mountains to the south protect it from heavy oceanic
influences. The Berg River, originating in the Drakenstein
Mountains, runs through the center of Franschhoek towards Paarl.
This topography is ideal for viticulture, allowing for vignerons to
control the aspect to maximise sunshine hours.
Soils in Franschhoek are largely made up of alluvial sandstone,
although there are deposits of granite on the slopes of the
mountains in the north. While heavy soils closer to the river have
some water-retaining qualities, the sandy soils on the lower slopes
drain rapidly. This means that despite the reasonable amount of
rainfall in the area during winter, some irrigation is still
required.
Franschhoek Valley is a stand-alone Coastal Region
district in the South African Wine of Origin scheme. Nearby
districts include Stellenbosch in the southwest and the
higher-altitude areas of Overberg in the east.
Breedekloof is a wine-producing area in the west of the Breede River
Valley, a part of the Western Cape of South Africa. The surrounding
mountain ranges and the meandering Breede River contribute to the
varied terroir in the region.
Breedekloof lies to the west
of Worcester on the far side of the Breede River. Its western border
is marked by the Slanghoek Mountains, which separate it from the
famous region of Paarl. The Badsberg Mountain bisects the area of
Breedekloof in two, separating the district's two wards of Goudini
and Slanghoek.
The mountains have a
moderating effect on the climate in Breedekloof. Afternoon shadows
from the Slanghoek Mountains shorten the hot days in the region and
bring considerably colder evenings. This diurnal temperature
variation allows the grapes time to cool down, letting them retain
their fresh acidity while still developing ripe fruit flavors.
The Breede River and its many tributaries create a variety of
microclimates in Breedekloof, and appropriate site selection is
vital to growers. While white-wine varieties flourish on the cooler
valley floors, red-wine varieties do better on the north-facing
higher slopes where they have more access to sunlight for ripening.
Soil types in Breedekloof range from the sandy loam around the
river's banks to the rockier, more stony soils in the mountains.
These well-drained mountain soils are beneficial to the red-wine
varieties planted here: the roots are forced to dig deeper for
water, resulting in lower grape yields and more flavor concentration
in the grapes.
Breedekloof is home to both large co-operative
and small boutique wineries. As with many wine areas in the Western
Cape, the local authorities are well set up for wine tourism, with
wine route maps available to aid the visitor to find cellar doors.
Overberg takes its name from its location in relation to Cape Town:
over the Hottentot-Holland Mountains (over the berg). The region
stretches from here to the Breede River over 160 kilometers to the
east is also flanked by the Riviersonderend Mountains to the north
and Walker Bay to the south. As part of the Cape South Coast region,
its neighbors include the Elgin and Walker Bay districts.
The Overberg district stretches from the Klein River area on the
coast up to the higher-altitude Theewater and Elandskloof areas
about 50 kilometers inland. The topography of the region is varied,
and grapes do as well on the rich, fertile river plains as they do
on the stony mountain slopes. Soils are predominantly sandstone,
particularly in the mountainous wards of Theewater and Elandskloof.
However, there are also pockets of limestone and shale, and the
riverbeds of the Klein River are sandy in nature.
Overberg
is fairly new as a grape-growing appellation, as the land has been
more traditionally associated with apple growing and grape-juice
production. It wasn't until the construction of the Theewater Dam in
the north of the region in the 1980s that farmers began to
experiment with vineyards and winemaking. The region is now
beginning to be associated with the production of high-quality wine,
and many famous wineries from other regions (such as Paarl and
Franschhoek) have established vineyards here, especially in the
Klein River ward near Stanford.
Altitude plays an important
role in Overberg. Vineyards can reach as high as 700 meters (2300ft)
above sea level, giving them more sunlight hours than lower-altitude
estates. This elevation, coupled with cooling sea breezes from
Walker Bay, leads to a longer ripening season, which often stretches
well into March and April. These growing conditions make for
well-balanced wines that are complex in flavor with good levels of
fresh acidity. North-easterly winds in winter bring rain to
Overberg, and the highest-altitude vineyards also get snow. This
allows the vines a period of dormancy over the winter, giving them
time to replenish their stocks of nutrients before the next growing
season.
Constantia is a historic wine-growing area in the southern suburbs
of Cape Town in the Western Cape of South Africa. In the 18th and
19th Centuries, the area was famed for its legendary dessert wine
Vin de Constance. Nowadays, Constantia is known for premium
cool-climate wines, including Chardonnay.
Constantia's
estates stretch from low ground all the way up the south-eastern
sides of the Constantiaberg mountain. The highest vineyards reach
400m above sea level and are among the steepest in South Africa.
Both the shade of the mountain and the constant sea breezes
contribute to lower average temperatures on the slopes, helping the
grapes planted here to retain their fresh acidity. Wind is important
for vine health as well. The constant buffeting of the
south-easterly winds stresses the vines, causing them to dig deeper
into the ground for nutrients.
Constantia sits on top of
ancient deposits of decomposed granite. These soils are well drained
and fertile and have a high clay content. Water absorbed by the clay
during wet winters helps to keep the vines hydrated over the dry
summers.
Cape South Coast is a recently-designated South African wine region
which forms part of the Western Cape Geographical Unit. It is
located to the east of the Coastal Region in which the bulk of South
African wine production takes place.
Six wine districts are
located within its boundaries: Cape Agulhas, Elgin (measured as the
coolest wine district in South Africa), Overberg, Plettenberg Bay,
Swellendam and Walker Bay.
Swartland is a large wine-producing area 65 kilometers north of Cape
Town in the Western Cape of South Africa. Traditionally a
wheat-producing region, it now specializes in making rich,
fruit-driven wines.
Swartland covers a large area,
encompassing the vineyards on the northern side of the Paardeberg
mountain in the south to the plains of Piketberg in the north. The
smaller ward of Riebeekberg and the Kasteelberg Mountain lie in the
eastern part of the region, while the cooler district of Darling
separates the area from the Atlantic Ocean. The topography is
varied, and vineyards can be found on steep mountain foothills or on
gently folding hillsides.
The climate is hot and dry, which
viticulturists have used to their advantage in Swartland's
vineyards. Dry conditions significantly reduce the risk of fungal
diseases among the vines, and a lack of water in the soil leads to
lower yields and smaller, more-concentrated fruit. Hardy,
drought-resistant bush vines have been utilized in the hottest,
driest parts of the region.
The dominant soil type in
Swartland is Malmesbury shale, named for the town of Malmesbury that
sits in the middle of the region. There are also pockets of granite,
particularly around the Paardeberg area. While these soils are well
drained, they also hold enough water in their lower reaches to
support the irrigation-free farming technique that is used
extensively throughout the region. Bush vines will dig especially
deep to get to the water reserves in the soil, resulting in stronger
vines and particularly concentrated flavours in the grapes.
Swartland (Dutch for 'black land') is named for the native
renosterbos (rhinoceros bush) that turns black after rain.
Compiled with assistance from
www.wine-searcher.com