“The 2015 vintage will go down in the history books as one of South Africa’s greatest harvests. Though it was one of the driest growing seasons leading to small berry sizes and production, they provided an excellent flavor spectrum and high acidity in the 2015 Capensis Chardonnay. Additionally, this is the first vintage the Nooitgedacht vineyard in Stellenbosch was added to the blend.”

ORIGINS

Its name taken from the Latin word for “from the cape,” Capensis is produced in South Africa, one of the oldest winemaking regions in the world. The ancient soils, dramatic landscapes and historic vineyards of Stellenbosch, Overberg and Robertson are the foundation for Capensis, which honors the greatness of South Africa. Winemaker Graham Weerts has carefully selected the finest Chardonnay vineyards within the Western Cape to create this expressive wine. The Capensis estate vineyard, Fijnbosch, was named after the Dutch settlers’ term for the natural vegetation in the area, which means “fine bush” or “fine woods.” The nearly 20 acres of Chardonnay are planted in clay soils at 1,720 feet of elevation. The Jackson family acquired the property in December 2014 after being extremely pleased with its contribution to the 2013 and 2014 vintages of Capensis. Kaaimansgat, meaning “crocodile’s lair,” is one of the oldest, most isolated and highest vineyard sites in the Overberg region, with an elevation of 2,483 feet. Erosion around the vines has revealed that many grow on their own rootstock, rather than having been grafted. Because this dry-farmed vineyard is exposed to extreme weather, even snow, the vines bud out late in the spring and are the last to be harvested, just before the rains. Growing in the limestone soil of Robertson, the 16 rows of vines in the E. Bruwer vineyard produce grapes that contribute rich texture to Capensis Chardonnay. The vines sit at 570 feet of elevation, are trained in a method typically referred to as single cordon sprawl and are primarily budded to Clone 95. Nooitgedacht, meaning gratitude, lies at the foothills of the Helderberg Mountains in the Stellenbosch region at an elevation of 286 meters / 938 feet. The 17-year-old vines of the Nooitgedacht Vineyard thrive on granite rich soils, promote length, acidity and elegance.