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.
Papkuilsfontein, situated just 25 kms from the sea, enjoys relatively cool temperatures. The vineyards are cooled by maritime breezes while a range of hillocks protects the vines from the sometimes damaging effects of the south-easter. In addition, the farm has an above-average rainfall for the West Coast.
Grapes were sourced from vineyards in the Darling area. These bush vines grow in Tukulu were planted between 1990 and 1996.
about the harvest: Yielding seven tons per hectare, the grapes were harvested by hand at between 22,5° and 23,5° Balling during the end of January and early February.
in the cellar : They were then crushed and cool-fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for two to three weeks at 13° C. No skin contact was allowed and only the free-run juice was used, and left on the lees for just over two months. After fermentation the wine was matured in new-fill barrels (40%) for three months before bottling.