in the vineyard : Background
Nine leading vineyard owners in the Durbanville district joined forces with Distell to create Durbanville Hills with the aim of promoting the regional individuality of this prime winegrowing area. The striking Durbanville Hills cellar sits proudly atop a series of rolling hills with magnificent views of Table Mountain and Table Bay - the very geography that lies at the heart of what makes the wines so unique. The Durbanville ward is considered one of the Cape’s coolest wine regions, thanks to the sea breezes that drift inland from False Bay and Table Bay and the late afternoon mists that bathe the slopes. These conditions are ideal for the slow ripening of the grapes, allowing them to develop their full flavoured and intense character. Grapes are sourced only from the shareholder growers, all of whom farm within the limited appellation of Durbanville. Meticulous canopy management promotes concentration of varietal flavour and colour. Cellar master Martin Moore uses highly advanced cellar technology to ensure optimal extraction of colour and flavour.
Sustainable practices includes the maintaining of the International Environmental Standard ISO 140001, treating of waste water back to irrigation quality and all vineyards subscribing to IPW (Integrated Production of Wine) growing practices, designed to sustain natural resources. In addition the farmers protect 220ha of endangered Renosterveld as part of the Biodiversity Wine Initiative (BWI).
The vineyards (vineyard consultant: Henk van Graan)
A selection of different Pinotage blocks throughout the Durbanville wine valley was used for this wine. The grapes were picked by hand during mid February and mid March respectively at sugar levels between 24° and 26° Balling. Great care was taken to ensure that the pips and skins were fully ripe.