in the vineyard : Viticulturists: Hannes van Rensburg and Dricus Heyns
Papkuilsfontein’s deep, red Tukulu soils have excellent water retention properties and ensure the dryland vines are not unduly water-stressed.
Situated just 25 kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean, the vineyards enjoy cool oceanic influences throughout the year. During ripening, the cool South-Easter wind works its way into the vineyards, slowing down ripening. Where the South-Easter can sometimes damage the shoots and inhibit growth, its presence enhances smaller grapes with thicker skins that in return, increase the quality of the juice given acidity and tannin. In addition, the farm has an above-average rainfall for the West Coast.
The grapes for this wine come from bush vines that see no irrigation, ranges in age from 11 to 29 years (Planted in 1977 and 1995) and yielding 5-6 tons per hectare. Suckering and harvest control of the vines ensured good aeration, light penetration, bud fertility and colour intensity.