It’s no secret that Cabernet Sauvignon from Stellenbosch is renowned for its excellence. When someone says "Stellenbosch Cabernet," wine lovers immediately take notice. These two words evoke a sense of trust and they promise quality. Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon wines have gained significant international and local acclaim over the years. This has helped South African wine shine on the world stage!
Known as the King of Reds, it’s the country’s most widely planted red wine grape, grown here since the late part of the 19th century.
The Stellenbosch region benefits from a Mediterranean climate – ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. The diverse terroir, with soil types ranging from clay to granite, results in various expressions of the grape: rich and bold to elegant and nuanced.
“Our location is easily recognisable in our fresh and elegantly layered Cabernet Sauvignons. Actually, in all our wines,” says Vusi Dalicuba, our 30-year-old winemaker.
Vergenoegd Löw is situated along Stellenbosch’s Helderberg Wine Route.
“We’re located just 12m above sea level and less than 5km from the False Bay coast as the crow flies,” he explains.
“Both these factors influence the temperature on the farm, creating a cooler environment than in the Stellenbosch area in general, sometimes by as much as 3°C. The winds from the Atlantic Ocean have a cooling effect during the summer months in the lead-up to harvest, slowing ripening and concentrating flavours. The salty breezes also act as a natural fungicide.
“Meanwhile, also unusual for Stellenbosch, we have lime-rich soils, thanks to our low-lying, ancient seabed location, dense with sea fossils and minerals. Calcareous soils are well-draining but also retain water.
“Very importantly, vines grown in these soils produce wines of great freshness, with good acidity, elegance and longevity – and that’s a distinction one can immediately pick up in our wines. I believe it sets up apart. And our progressive regenerative farming initiatives, of course.”
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