in the vineyard : This Distell label takes its name from the two great oceans that converge at the Cape, the Indian and the Atlantic. The Cape’s Coastal Region enjoys a temperate climate, cooled by day-time maritime breezes from both oceans and a drop in night-time temperatures to allow grapes to ripen slowly. In addition, the moderate humidity means vines are far less prone to disease than in areas with higher moisture levels.
To ensure the finest quality, grapes are sourced from vineyards in cool growing areas.The winemaker works very closely with a team of viticulturists and he closely supervises pruning, suckering and canopy management for optimal crop yield. During the ripening season the grapes are tasted daily for ripeness and also chemically analysed to ensure they are picked when varietal flavours are most concentrated, and there is a good balance between fruit and acid.
The vineyards (Viticulturist: Bennie Liebenberg)
Grapes were sourced from vineyards in Stellenbosch, Paarl, Robertson and Worcester ranging in age from 9 to 17 years, grown in soils varying from decomposed granite to deep Clovelly and Hutton, with excellent drainage. Located at 200m above sea level the vineyards are trellised while appropriate canopy management and row orientation minimises wind damage.