in the vineyard : This Distell label takes its name from the two great oceans that converge near the Cape of Good Hope, the Indian and the Atlantic. Two Oceans is an easy-drinking and very versatile range of food-friendly varietal and blended red and white wines. Accessibly styled, the brand exemplifies South Africa’s friendly, relaxed and café orientated lifestyle.
Two Oceans’ winemakers work closely with a team of viticulturists who ensure vineyards are ideally located to produce concentrated fruit flavours. To ensure the finest quality, all grapes are sourced from premier vineyards within the Cape’s Coastal region, where a temperate climate prevails. Vineyards are cooled in summer by day-time maritime breezes from both oceans and a drop in night-time temperatures, allowing grapes to ripen slowly, which promote flavour intensity.
The vineyards (viticulturist: Bennie Liebenberg)
The Chenin Blanc grapes were sourced from vineyards in Stellenbosch, planted in 1982, some 130m to 180m above sea level. The Chardonnay grapes were sourced in Stellenbosch Malmesbury and Robertson, planted between 1985 and 1990. All these trellised vines were planted between 100m and 250m above sea level, and all the vineyards were unirrigated so that controlled water stress could limit the yield and intensity the flavour.
in the cellar : The Chenin Blanc grapes were harvested by hand at 22° Balling and received minimal skin contact before being fermented at 14° C over 14 days to allow for maximum fruit concentration. The Chardonnay grapes were harvested by hand between 22,5° and 24° Balling and received no skin contact.
The wine was fermented and matured on oak chips for six months.