Stellenbosch is the most famous wine-growing district in South Africa. Its high-quality production has promoted the South African wine all over the world.
The district of Stellenbosch is in the southern side of South Africa, inside the Cape Peninsula, 40 kilometres east of the city. This area begins near the coastline and spreads to the mountains surrounding the town of Stellenbosch. In the north, the Simonsberg Mount marks the border with the Paarl district.
Stellenbosch is the national center for oenological research and formation and is home to the highest number of private wine estates. The vineyards enjoy the cool winds from False Bay that halt the spread of diseases. The region receives an ideal Mediterranean climate with enough rainfall in winters and warm summers.
The vineyards spread on the hillsides of the northern mountains but the majority is concentrated on the flatlands and valleys in the south. For such a small area, Stellenbosch has a surprising amount of microclimates, relief and soils. With a multitude of terroirs, the district is divided in many wards: Simonsberg-Stellenbosch, Bottelary, Devon Valley, Papegaaiberg, Jonkershoek Valley.
Major grape varieties in Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is the birthplace of Pinotage, and hybrid variety created at the Stellenbosch University in 1925, a crossing of Cinsaut and Pinot Noir. It has a unique range of aromas, particularly blackberry and mulberry, blue plum and toasted marshmallow. However, winemakers have to control the aggressive tannins and take great care of the winemaking process to avoid the more wild and volatile flavors.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a common variety in Stellenbosch. It is often blended with Merlot to create elegant high-quality full-bodied wines with excellent fruity aromas. The producers in the district used Syrah to make concentrated woody wines.
Chenin Blanc grows on the cooler sites and gives stronger concentrated wines with rich tropical flavors of guava, banana, pear and pineapple. This white wines seem sweeter because the producers tend to let the grape mature for more concentrated aromas. Nevertheless, the Chenin Blanc keeps its acidity and trademark vegetal notes. The Sauvignon Blanc of Stellenbosch is halfway between New Zealand's style and Loire's style. The crisp white wines have gooseberry and vegetal flavors.
Best producers in Stellenbosch
The wine estates of Stellenbosch known for their high-quality productions are De Trafford, Morgenster, Rustenberg, Thelema and Vergelegen.
