Malbec

Savour with beef fillet, Coq au Vin or on its own in front of the fire or slightly chilled (18°C) as a great summer red wine.

Grapes originated from 3 vineyard blocks on our farm: one block on high potential Tukulu soil (planted at 2,5m x 1,4m wide) and the other two blocks on poorer Klapmuts soil (planted at 1,8m x 1.0m), all with Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP) trellis systems. Malbec clones MC26 and MC71 were used and all blocks are under drip irrigation. Annual yield is between 7 and 10 tons/ha.

Malo-lactic fermentation and maturation followed in 300L French oak barrels for 12months. 23% new oak incorporated.

Handpicked grapes were transported to the cellar were the winemaking process commenced. Grapes from the different blocks were separately destemmed and whole berry fermented in stainless-steel tanks and French oak casks. Twice daily pump-overs ensured the delicate extraction of tannins. The total time on the skins were 21 days before pressing.

Down to earth with a rich history and winemaking tradition, Blaauwklippen produces wines of distinction in harmony with the simplicity of country living. Shaped by centuries, people are at the heart of Blaauwklippen’s legacy that is shared in abundance with contemporary design and artisanal flair. In 1977 the first Zinfandel vineyards to be planted in South Africa were established on Blaauwklippen with the first vintage released in 1980. This pioneering spirit led us to produce world-class Zinfandel for decades and today we remain one of only three Zinfandel producers in the country. Launched in 1984, the Blaauwklippen Blending Competition is the only one of its kind in South Africa, aimed at consumers rather than producers, inviting wine-lovers to try out the art of wine blending for themselves. Narina Cloete has been the winemaker at Blaauwklippen since June 2016. She graduated with an Honours BSc Agriculture (Oenology) cum laude from the University of Stellenbosch. She serves on various wine judging panels including the South African Young Wine Show, FNB Top 10 Sauvignon Blanc, Cape Vintners Classification, Blaauwklippen Blending Competition, Veritas Awards and the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show. She also judged in Spain at the 2018 Zarcillo International Wine Competition. The Blaauwklippen Family Market, held every Sunday, is a popular Winelands destination with an array of food, arts and crafts, live music, a monthly antiques fair and the estate’s child-friendly facilities and activities.