Saving our heritage one vine at a time
Anthonij Rupert Wines has entered into partnerships with various farmers in the winelands in a bid to preserve old vineyards. This venture is the result of research authorised and supported by business tycoon Johann Rupert, owner of amongst others the L’Ormarins property in Franschhoek. In 2001 viticulturist Rosa Kruger together with winemaker Eben Sadie of Sadie Family Wines were tasked with identifying old vines across the country which resulted in a list of 97 vineyards older than 40 years in age.
“Some of these vines were already here during the First World War, and some of these vineyards provided fruit to farmers during the Anglo Boer War,” observed Kruger. Decades of exposure to the elements have resulted in vineyards with a level of immunity to destructive diseases, she observed, adding that these vineyards also carry within them a true expression of terroir. “They are in balance with nature, because they’ve been able to speak to the sun and soil for years,” elaborated Professor Allain Deloire, viticultural lecturer at Stellenbosch University.
The yield per hectare from old vineyards is low, which has resulted in vines being uprooted to make way for younger, higher yielding vines or other, more profitable, crops. In other cases, grapes from these vineyards are simply blended away. To prevent this, Anthonij Rupert Wines, in partnership with numerous owners of old vineyards, has launched the limited series Cape of Good Hope range which celebrate old and site-specific vineyards.
Currently, the Cape of Good Hope range comprises Chenin Blanc and Semillon from old vines (Cape of Good Hope Van Lill and Visser Chenin Blanc 2010, Cape of Good Hope Laing Semillon 2010) while the Pinotage is from a block of unirrigated bushvines grown on top of the Paardeberg (Cape of Good Hope Basson Pinotage 2007). There is a Chardonnay from Elandskloof in Villiersdorp (Cape of Good Hope Serruria Chardonnay 2010) and Merlot from a tiny block on Parel Vallei Farmstead (Cape of Good Hope Parel Vallei Farmstead Merlot 2007).
“We cannot afford to lose these old vines,” said Rupert, adding that it is necessary for consumers to understand the scarcity and value of wines made from these vines, and the attached premium price.
Wines in the Cape of Good Hope range are available at select outlets and can be ordered directly from Anthony Rupert farms. Approximate retail prices range from R95 for the Chenin Blanc to R240 for the Merlot. Tel 021 874 9000
