Africa’s southernmost vineyards and winery

ELIM • SOUTH AFRICA

Where ocean and earth meet, there lies the magic

“Strandveld” refers to the coastal belt of land which spans the coastline around Africa’s tempestous southernmost tip at Cape Agulhas. Lying almost 35˚ south, the Cape South coast is characterised by severe wind, mist and cool temperatures. This confluence of maritime climate, varying sites and soil types creates the diversity of terroir that distinguishes the wines of Strandveld Vineyards.

In 1488, Bartholomeu Diaz was the first to set his eyes upon the land at the southern tip of Africa. Centuries later, other modern day exploreres determined that this harsh climate could produce riches of a different kind...

In 2001, a group of enthusiastic wine lovers, struck by the spirit of adventure that motivated the Portuguese all those years ago, turned to the original Portuguese maps. With every coastal nuance described and labelled, these maps became their inspiration for seeking out new potential vineyard sites based on their proximity to the sea.

While some may lament the fierce winds, rolling sea mists and cool temperatures, these are the foundation for growing the grapes that make the distinctive Strandveld wines.

Strandveld Vineyards is a beautiful wind-swept winery located 9km from the sea. Situated between Elim and Cape Agulhas, it is the southernmost winery on the continent of Africa.

Strandveld Vineyards modern wine cellarStrandveld Vineyards modern wine cellar

Strandveld Vineyards Range

The uniqueness of the vineyards and the Elim wine ward is the cooler climate, relative to other wine growing areas in South Africa, due to the constant Atlantic winds. These winds keep yields down and prevent diseases by keeping the grapes dry. The unique maritime climate creates ideal ripening conditions over an extended perios. This results in low yields and berries which are small but have intense flavours.

Conrad Vlok, our winemaker, is a man of the soil whose warm nature and empathy for the environment in which he works are reflected in the distinctive character of his wines. Conrad’s winemaking philosophy is that winemaking starts first and foremost in the vineyard and that good grapes are essential to make great wine.

While expertly able to combine the art and science that is viticulture and winemaking, Conrad humbly believes that his job is not done until the bottle is on the table.

The Strandveld wines are made from specially selected vines in very limited quantities, crafted from only the finest grapes which uniquely express the terroir of the Strandveld.

Constant Atlantic winds provide natural air conditioningConstant Atlantic winds provide natural air conditioning

Strandveld Vineyards Range

STRANDVELD POFADDERBOS SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC

STRANDVELD ADAMASTOR SAUVIGNON BLANC/SEMILLON

This vineyard is surrounded by fynbos and aptly named Pofadderbos due to the frequent visits by puffadders.

The unique Strandveld terroir is beautifully expressed in this vineyard, growing in almost 100% yellow ferricrete rocky soil.

The modest crop ripens slowly in the cool climate without losing any flavour.

Cold fermentation with selected yeast strains and lees contact for 4 months.

Big tropical fruit on the nose, creamy and full on the palate with oyster shell minerality on the finish.

Named after the mythical god of wind and storms, the vines used for this wine contend with the same tempestuous elements as the early Portuguese sailors.

The Sauvignon Blanc component was cold fermented with selected yeast strains in stainless steel tanks. The Semillon was barrel feremented and matured for 10 months in a selection of 300 and 500 litre French oak barrels.

Intense flintiness combined with floral aromas. Full and creamy on the palate with toasted oak and dry minerality on the finish.

Strandveld Vineyards Range

STRANDVELD PINOT NOIR LIMITED RELEASE

STRANDVELD SYRAH

100% Pinot Noir.

Seven barrels were specially selected which showed more depth and structure from a vineyard planted on white quartzite gravel.

5 days cold soak at 10˚C. Inoculation with selected yeast strains and fermentation at 23˚C with 3 pump overs daily.

Aging for 11 months in 40% new and the rest older 300 litre French oak barels.

A ruby-purple wine with dark moist soil and wild strawberry and sour cherry flavours, followed by a savoury richness.

48 hours cold soak followed by fermentation controlled between 22 and 26˚C with 3 pump overs daily.

Aging for 20 months in French oak barrels. Only selected barrels were chosen for this wine.

Full bodied with cloves, cracked black pepper and spicy aromas.

Layered with intense black berry fruit. A rich palate with firm tannins backed by well integrated oak.

Strandveld Vineyards Range

STRANDVELD THE NAVIGATOR

Shiraz / Grenache / Mourvèdre/ Viognier

This Rhône style blend pays homage to Prince Henry the Navigator - the patron of early Portuguese exploration - who was passionate about advances in navigational equipment and exploring the oceans and funded many of the explorative journeys around the southern tip of Africa.

All four varietals were fermented together between 22 and 26˚C with 21 days skin contact during fermentation. Pump overs 3 times per day. Maturation took place in mostly second and third fill 300 litre French oak barrels for 22 months.

Aromas of cool-climate spice with white pepper and cloves. Floral hints courtesy of the Viognier. The spiciness carries through to the palate and is complemented by black berry flvaours. The Grenache contribiutes dried-peach tannins and a long finish.

First Sighting Range

First Sighting wines are delightfully drinkable and will be the perfect accompaniment to the type of food we eat every day. True to their coastal origins, you will find that slow ripening yields generous flavours. Decisions in the vineyards and in the cellar are all made with one idea in mind, creating versatile wines which can be enjoyed at every occasion.

Overcoming their fear of sea monsters and boiling waters at the Equator, and making use of increasingly accurate navigational tools, Bartholomeu Diaz then Vasco da Gama took the Portuguese ships to India, South East Asia and China, bringing back spices that were more valuable than gold. The impact of the new route changed the course of history.

Our FIRST SIGHTING RANGE pays homage to the great vision that inspired Portuguese explorers to discover a sea route to the spice-rich east.

First Sighting Range

FIRST SIGHTING SAUVIGNON BLANC FIRST SIGHTING ROSÉ

A selection of grapes grown in the four distinct gravel soil types of Strandveld Vineyards.

Cold fermentation in stainless steel tanks with selected yeast strains and lees contact for 6 months before blending for bottling.

Expressive tropical and citrus fruit. Full palate with the typical Elim minerality and buchu notes. Crisp and fresh with a long finish.

Shiraz based dry style Rosé

Grapes were harvested at 21.5˚B and kept in contact with skins for 6-12 hours. Only free run juice was used and cool fermentation took place at 14˚C in stainless steel tanks followed by 5 months lees contact in tanks.

The aromas are dominated by tart strawberry, sweet cherries and a hint of cream.

A crisp, fresh palate featuring berries and watermelon with a balanced acidity and cool, dry finish.

First Sighting Range

FIRST SIGHTING PINOT NOIR FIRST SIGHTING SHIRAZ

100% Pinot Noir grapes

5 days cold soak after destemming to extract colour and soft tannins.

Fermentation took place at 23˚C with inoculated yeast strains with 3 pump overs daily. Aging in older 300 litre French oak barrels for 11 months.

A complex wine with vibrant colour and classic elegance. Exuberant cherry fruit flavours with a fragrant spiciness complimented by ripe tannins and a long finish.

3 days cold soak before fermentation and 22 days skin contact during fermentation.

Fermentation took place at between 22 and 26˚C with 3 pump overs daily. Maturation in mostly older 300 litre French oak barrels for 12 months.

A full bodied wine with spicy pepper and mocha aromas, layered with vibrant red berry fruit flavours. Concentrated and complex with a creamy finish.

Africa’s southernmost vineyards and winery

ELIM • SOUTH AFRICA

info@strandveld.co.zaTel: +27 (0)28 482 1906 • Fax: +27 (0)28 482 1902

www.strandveld.co.za