Stellenbosch and its wines

Stellenbosch is the most prestigious wine region of South Africa, located at about 50 km from Cape Town, in the province of the Western Cape. Known as the cradle of the South African wine industry, Stellenbosch is renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon structured, elegant Bordeaux blends and Chardonnay refined.

Thanks to the the Mediterranean climate, the ocean breeze from False Bay and the soils rich in clay, granite and sandstone, the wines of Stellenbosch are characterised by great structure, freshness and ageing capacity.

What is the Stellenbosch wine district?

Stellenbosch is one of the Wine of Origin (WO) most important in South Africa and is divided into several subzones, each with unique characteristics:

• Simonsberg-Stellenbosch → Famous for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with structured, long-lived wines.
• Jonkershoek Valley → Elegant, fresh wines, thanks to the higher altitudes.
• Bottelary Hills → Specialising in Syrah e Pinotage, with spicy, intense wines.
• Helderberg → Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay of great finesse, thanks to the ocean breeze.
• Polkadraai Hills → An excellent terroir for Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc.

The Great Wine Regions of Stellenbosch

1. Simonsberg-Stellenbosch

• Main grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc.
• Style: Intense, mineral and elegant reds.
• Famous appellations: A top-tier Bordeaux blend.

2. Jonkershoek Valley

• Main grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay.
• Style: Wines with great acidity, perfect for ageing.

3. Bottelary Hills

• Main grape varieties: Pinotage, Syrah, Chenin Blanc.
• Style: Spicy reds and aromatic whites.

4. Helderberg

• Main grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc.
• Style: Structured, fresh wines, with a maritime influence.

5. Polkadraai Hills

• Main grape varieties: Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot.
• Style: Wines with a balance between fruit and minerality.

Characteristics of Stellenbosch Wines

Colour

• Reds: Deep ruby red with garnet highlights as it ages.
• Whites: Straw yellow with golden shades in the aged wines.

Aromas

• Fruity: Blackcurrant, plum and blackberry in the reds; citrus and tropical fruit in the whites.
• Floral: Wild flowers in the Sauvignon Blanc, violet in the Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Spicy and Mineral: Notes of tobacco and vanilla in the reds, flint in the whites.

Palate

• Structured and Tannic: In the Cabernet Sauvignon wines and Bordeaux blends.
• Fresh and Mineral: In the Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay wines.
• Spicy and Complex: In the Pinotage and Syrah wines.

Typical Grape Varieties of Stellenbosch

Black Grape Varieties

• Cabernet Sauvignon: The most widely grown grape variety, with structured, long-lived wines.
• Pinotage: Indigenous to South Africa, with spicy and fruity notes.
• Merlot: Elegant and soft, perfect in Bordeaux blends.
• Syrah/Shiraz: Powerful and spicy, with great aromatic intensity.

White Grape Varieties

• Chardonnay: Fresh and mineral, often aged in wood.
• Sauvignon Blanc: Aromatic and citrussy, with great acidity.
• Chenin Blanc: One of the most versatile grape varieties, able to give fresh or complex whites.

Why Choose a Wine from Stellenbosch?

A wine from Stellenbosch is synonymous with quality and character, ideal to accompany grilled meat, aged cheeses, spicy dishes and international cooking. From the Powerful Cabernet Sauvignons, to the Unique Pinotage, through to the fresh and mineral whites, Stellenbosch offers a range of wines of the very highest level.