The influence of the prolonged dry conditions, however, still had a significant impact on the 2019 harvest. This combined with the moderate temperatures over winter did pose some challenges from a viticultural point of view as it resulted in uneven bud-break in spring as well as high disease pressure to start the season. That being said, we managed our vineyards carefully. The growing season was by in large good and was interspersed with a number of small rainfall events.
These had a far more positive impact than negative, but did mean the vineyard team was more busy than usual keeping the grapes healthy so that they could reach optimum ripeness levels to make our balanced and elegant wines. The latter half of the growing season was very favourable as we had moderate/warm summer weather (i.e. not too hot!). It was relatively warm until the first week of March after which we saw a significant drop in temperature. This meant the last of our red varieties were able to ripen slowly and thus we have had very good flavour development while maintaining good natural acidity in the grapes. All in all the wines that we have in the cellar look very promising and we are hopeful that it will be another great vintage for us.
New vineyard plantings
To ensure Kleine Zalze continues to produce world class quality wine, an extensive replanting programme was introduced in 2016. A total of 34 hectares consisting mainly of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Petit Verdot was replanted in the last 3 years. A further 9.5 hectares of vineyards will be replanted in 2019.
Kleine Zalze training foundation
Kleine Zalze Wines is very proud to announce that we have established the Kleine Zalze Training Foundation in collaboration with our Swedish Importer, Winemarket. The main objective of the training foundation is to support sustainability of our business by giving previously disadvantaged Kleine Zalze employees the opportunity to obtain a tertiary qualification. Four students started their studies this year and will cover disciplines such as human resources, finance, supply chain management, etc. This initiative has been extremely well received by our employees and we are excited to see the results in the years to come.
Concours Mondial du Sauvignon
The 10th Concours Mondial du Sauvignon was hosted by the city of Udine in Italy on 8 and 9 March 2019. A total 1,010 wines from 26 countries were judged blind by a panel of 73 international experts from 18 countries.
The 122 Gold and 180 Silver medals were awarded to Sauvignons from France, Austria, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain, Chile, Bulgaria, Germany, the United States, Slovenia, Slovakia, Romania, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Turkey, Greece and Argentina.
The Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2017 was one of only 6 South African wines to be awarded with a prestigious gold medal.
Congratulations to our amazing winemaking team.
Terroir Winter Special
This year Terroir restaurant has welcomed the arrival of winter with a special set menu at an extremely pocket-friendly price. This offer is sure to make our award-winning Stellenbosch eatery the hottest table in town as the cold sets in
Diners will once again receive outstanding value and can choose from either a two course option at R295 per person or three courses at R395 per person. This price also includes two glasses of Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection wine served with the starter and main course.
The winter special offer is valid from 2 May to 30 September 2019, for both lunch and dinner, Tuesday to Sunday (max 10 pax per booking). Individual à la carte orders can still be made, and will be charged at the listed menu price.