About the Vineyard:
Kaapzicht’s vineyards sit on north-western slopes in Bottelary Hills, Stellenbosch, overlooking Table Mountain and False Bay. With a higher elevation, older vines, proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, and a large enough crop to always select the best grapes for their wines, Kaapzicht is consistently recognized in Stellenbosch and abroad for quality. The vineyards rise 200 meters (656 feet) above sea level, resulting in a slightly lower daytime temperature and a cooling ocean breeze at night. The vineyards are completely unirrigated with vines dig deep into granite and clay soils, enabling consistent quality across vintages, even during challenging years.
On 190 ha (162 ha under vineyards) Kaapzicht grows 70% red cultivars, (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Pinotage, Cinsaut, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Pinot Noir) and 30% white cultivars (mainly Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, some Muscat d’Alexandrie and even less Chardonnay).
The chenin blanc and pinotage grow on bush vines which give a lower yield, thereby improving the quality and structure of the wine. Kaapzicht has some of the oldest chenin blanc vines in the country, with one block dating back to 1947. While the single bloc 1947 chenin sells out before it’s even bottled, the Steytler family includes some of these special grapes in their other chenin releases, including the unoaked Kaapzicht chenin blanc.
Since the first vintage was bottled in 1984, the members of the Steytler family has been running their 190 hectare large estate hands-on for four generations. Brothers Danie and George are winemaker and viticulturist, respectively, and their wives are in charge of marketing and finances, as well hiring out a venue and a self-catering cottage. Son, Danie Junior, assumed primary responsibilities as winemaker in 2009 as the family tradition lives on.
About the Wine:
Vines planted in Clovelly type soil. The cultivars were vinified separately and then blended together after the winemaker tastes through the tanks to find wine which is fruit driving with less intense tannins. Pumping over was done 3 times per day in red wine tanks. Some French oak staves were used in the tanks to give the wine some complexity.
Food Pairings: Tapas, chorizo, roasted red peppers, smoked cheeses
37% Cabernet Sauvignon
37% Pinotage
10% Cinsault
6% Petit Verdot
6% Merlot
4% Shiraz
Alcohol: 13.91%
Tasting Notes:
Integrated flavors of black and red berries, tea leaves and spice invite a sip of this easy drinking blend; the gentle structure, with soft tannins supporting a core of sweet berry fruit, adds friendly drinkability; medium bodied with a well-rounded savoury finish.
