Estate

Saddle of lamb, pomme dauphine, ratatouille, kaiings.

The vintage of 2018 was challenging as it was the fourth consecutive year of drought, with very dry conditions and water restrictions. Careful water management was essential, but the benefit of the dry weather meant very healthy vines. The dry conditions also resulted in smaller berries, which in turn provide excellent colour and flavour intensity. Cooler nights at the end of February meant longer hang time, allowing further flavour development. Despite irrigation challenges and a smaller crop, 2018 bodes very well for high-quality wines.

Barrel maturation takes place in 100% French oak barrels (40% new, 40% 2nd fill, 20% 3rd fill), 30% in 500l & 70% in 300l barrels for 22 months.

Made only from Estate grown grapes that are picked and sorted by hand. Each variety, harvest parcel and individual clone is vinified separately. An average of 8 tons per hectare is harvested, destemmed, crushed, and pumped into open-top fermentation tanks. The must undergoes a 21-day maceration period involving a 7-day fermentation with pump-overs and manual punch-downs 2-4 times daily.

Established in 1694 Rust en Vrede is proud to be part of a remarkable three hundred year old wine tradition. Since 1977 the Engelbrecht family has specialized in the exclusive production of red wine with the focus on Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Proprietor Jean Engelbrecht has worked to establish Rust en Vrede as one of South Africa’s premium red wine estates with full-bodied and complex wines that reflect the uniqueness of the Helderberg terroir.