
On De Wetshof a firm belief prevails, namely that one cannot know where you are going unless you know where you have come from. This is why the history of De Wetshof's vineyards plays a profound role in determining present and future wine quality. Since the early 1970's meticulous records have been kept on each vineyard as to the plants' reaction to soil types, irrigation, and the vagaries of climate, as well as their development and progress over the years. Each vineyard is thus vinified separately during the wine-making process, the wine-makers having a clear understanding of what the fruit of each vineyard's labour is going to deliver during a specific year.
This commitment to site-specific vineyard management and wine-making has been an integral part of the De Wetshof ethos from the outset and remains a vital and non-negotiable aspect of all the Estate's wines.
in the vineyard: Wine of Origin Robertson, De Wetshof Estate, South Africa. The Robertson Valley is characterized by cold winters and sunny summers, with an average annual rainfall of 350 - 400mm. In summer a fresh southerly breeze has a cooling effect on the vineyards, allowing the grapes to ripen evenly and in perfect balance. The dry climate and the bracing breeze keep pests to a minimum, resulting in sparse spraying programs. Controlled computerized irrigation systems including the monitoring of soil moisture content ensure the vines are given the correct amount of water at the right time to produce grapes of optimum ripeness and developed flavours. Rocky, gravelly mountain soils rich in limestone with a significant amount of clay to assist in the water-retention capacity helps the vines to develop fruit with strong citrus flavours and a characteristic nuttiness on the mid-palate and finish.
About the harvest: The grapes are picked in the coolness of the morning, and the emphasis is on capturing the beautiful rich complexities, nutty flavours, and pronounced citrus finish that consistently characterize the wines produced from these vineyards.