Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Rich red meats, slow-roasted lamb, venison or mature cheeses.

The fruit was sourced primarily from vineyards on the Kleine Zalze farm, complemented by selected sites on the Helderberg slopes and Schaapenberg. The vineyards are predominantly planted on ferricrete (“koffieklip”) and granite in varying stages of decomposition. These clay- and iron-rich soils are particularly well suited to producing Cabernet Sauvignon with depth, structure and concentration. The 2021 growing season began with a cool, wet spring, delaying budburst by 7 to 14 days, although development remained even and consistent. The start of the 2022 summer saw almost three times more hours above 35 °C than in preceding years. Following the cool season, this sudden heat placed the vines under pressure and, rather than accelerating ripening, resulted in a prolonged ripening period. The extended hang time allowed for exceptional flavour development while retaining balance and freshness. At harvest, the fruit showed impressive concentration and depth, characteristic of a classic Stellenbosch vintage.

Matured for 22 months in French oak, using a combination of new and older barrels.

Following destemming without crushing, the grapes were fermented in traditional open-top fermenters using a combination of punch-downs and pump-overs. Most colour, tannin and flavour extraction took place during the first two-thirds of fermentation, after which extraction was gradually reduced to approximately once daily to prevent over-extraction and preserve balance, freshness and elegance. After primary fermentation, the grapes were gently pressed and the wine transferred to 300 L French oak barrels, comprising 80% new oak and 20% second- and third-fill barrels.

Kleine Zalze wines are marked by a classical structure and complexity matched by a vibrant flavour intensity. Discernibly South African in style, they are refreshing, beautifully balanced and well-suited to food. Our wines are made according to traditional methods with minimal cellar intervention, but supported by modern equipment.