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, tannins are ripe and there is a good balance between fruit and acid.
The vineyards (Viticulturist: Bennie Liebenberg)
The grapes came from vineyards in the Helderberg , Malmesbury and Durbanville areas, situated at altitudes ranging from 50m to 180m above sea level. Some of the vines are grown as bush vines and were planted in 1985 while the others are trellised on a hedge system and planted in 1998. All the vines are grfted on Phylloxera resistant rootstocks .Most of the vineyards are grown under dryland conditions while some received supplementary irregation.