Primarily and historically a grape producing
area, there are six active wine making cellars in the region. Here the
people who own the farms are the same people who make the wines and its
not unusual to find the winemaker in attendance in the tasting rooms. So
you can expect not only a friendly, but also a knowledgeable reception
while you try wines which have already received over 32 gold and silver
awards this season.
Types of Wine/Grapes
In terms of white wines, Durbanville Wine Valley is best known for its
frequently awarded Sauvignon Blanc, with its Semillon wines starting to
attract attention. On the red side, the valley’s wines are characterised
by intense full black and red berry flavours in the grapes, as well as
complex herbaceous characteristics and elegant tannins. The Durbanville
Wine Valley is especially noted for its Merlot and Shiraz.
Climate/Geography
The proximity to the cold west coast currents, unexpectedly high
altitude and misty night time conditions makes this one of the coolest
wine regions. Additional geographic benefits of a large variety of hilly
aspects for specific varietal matching, long sunshine hours for full
ripening and deep well structured soils with great water retention
properties all add up to a prime location.
Durbanville Wine Valley has historically been well recognised within
the wine fraternity for the quality and character of its noble cultivar
grapes. For many years a number of the top cellars in the country have
bought these grapes for their finest marques. While the Durbanville wine
makers’ good and long-standing viticultural practices contribute to this
high standard of grape production, it cannot be denied that they have a
particularly ideal terroir.
For more information on the Durbanville Wine
Route visit:
www.durbanvillewine.co.za
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