in the vineyard : One of South Africa’s premier and best-known labels, Fleur du Cap is a member of the Distell group. This wine has been created by new-generation winemaker Kobus Gerber, well versed in creating wines that reflect minimal intervention in the cellar.
Fleur du Cap is situated along the banks of the Lourens River, in the Helderberg. The farm dates back to 1700 and initially formed part of the farm established by one of the earlier governors of the Cape of Good Hope, Willem Adriaan van der Stel.
Fleur du Cap has its own nursery of 11 000 mother plants, propagating virus-free material onto which selected noble clones are grafted before planting in specially chosen vineyards sites in the Coastal region. These sites are chosen for optimal soil, gradient, aspect and micro-climates.
Cape Riesling grapes were sourced from selected vineyards blocks, some as high as 430 m above sea-level, in Stellenbosch and Durbanville. The trellised vines are between 14 and nine years old, growing in medium-textured soils with good drainage but also good water retention. They are situated on south and east-facing slopes offering protection against the late afternoon heat and tempered by Atlantic sea breezes to ensure slow and even ripening.
about the harvest: The cooler than average ripening period, before the summer heat waves, made for excellent flavour retention in the berries. Grapes were picked early in March at between 20,5° and 22° Balling.