Where cultivar and terroir meet, the perfect couple

Terroir

Simonsvlei’s grapes are sourced from the region’s diverse terroir, resulting in complex wines layered with varietal characteristics. Soils vary from shale to clay and average production yields around 8 – 10 tons per hectare. The Mediterranean climate of the region, with cold/wet winters and hot/dry summers, result in berries with abundant fruit flavours and high sugar levels at harvest time.

Simonsvlei’s total production consists of about 9 000 metric tons of grapes delivered by 36 wine farms. Hectares under vine are approximately 1 000 and the main grape varietals are: Cabernet Sauvignon (184ha); Shiraz (115ha); Chenin Blanc (413ha) and Chardonnay (100ha).

Cultivars

At Simonsvlei, we strive to match each grape varietal with the terroir that compliments and enhances the cultivar’s sought after flavour characteristics. We are fortunate in that we have the added bonus that Paarl region’s terroir is perfectly suited to Shiraz production. The deep soils are high in clay content which is excellent for the retention of water. We plant our Shiraz on the eastern slopes of the valley, in order to promote optimum photosynthetic activity. This activity is the determining factor in the accumulation of grape sugars and flavour components. The inherent aromas in Paarl Shiraz are spicy flavours of cloves, green peppers, smokiness and rich ripe plums.

Another cultivar that enjoys prominence in Simonsvlei’s portfolio is the only true South African grape varietal, Pinotage, which is mostly grown as bush vines. In the cooler parts of the valley, the grapes tend to have more floral flavours, whilst the Pinotage planted in the warmer areas display prominent berry or plum aromas. Other red cultivars include the noble grape varietal Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, the classic blending partner for Cabernet.

The region’s soil and climate are also favourable for the production of quality white grapes. Simonsvlei is well known for its high quality Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay wines. The Sauvignon Blanc vineyards perform better in the cooler parts of the region and are planted mostly in the Klipheuwel and Durbanville area. In the latter region, the grapes benefit greatly from the cooling breezes that blow in from the nearby cold Atlantic Ocean.

Sauvignon Blanc planted in the Klipheuwel and Durbanville areas display a vegetative/herbaceous character, rather than the more common gooseberry flavours. Simonsvlei is one of only five South African cellars still making wine from the underrated Bukettraube grape. This varietal is known for its floral aromas and distinctive Muscat bouquet.

Viticulture

Jannie Underhay, Simonsvlei’s viticulturist works closely with the farmers who supply Simonsvlei its grapes to ensure that quality grapes are produced. Simonsvlei has undertaken never to compromise on quality, but to keep it as its prime consideration throughout all areas of activity, from the planting of the finest vineyard stock through to maintaining impeccable standards with regard to bottling and hygiene.. Here is Jannie (standing left) and Jaco de Villiers of the farm Sandwyk in one of the low yielding high quality Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards.

Farms

Another quality producer for Simonsvlei is Paul Roux of De Hoop. Simon van der Stel allocated this historic farm to the French Huguenot, Jacob de Villiers, in 1692. Today, Paul Roux (Senior) is the fourth generation Roux farming on De Hoop.

It is due to farmers like Paul Roux and Jaco de Villiers, and the dedication of viticulturist Jannie Underhay, that our customers can be sure that Simonsvlei maintains its “integrity in the bottle” philosophy! The wine farms that deliver grapes for Simonsvlei, share in the winery’s objective of adding value to its products and to conduct oenological practices in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. All are firmly committed to establishing Simonsvlei as a key role player in the international wine industry.