Diemersfontein

Winery Profile: Diemersfontein

Diemersfontein is known for its beauty, informal elegance, and grace - an idyllic wine estate only 45 minutes drive from Cape Town. The 183 hectare farm, which lies in the shadow of the majestic Hawekwa Mountains with a panoramic view of both Du Toit’s Kloof and Bains’ Kloof. Diemersfontein started with its own cellar in 2001 and is now proud to be amongst the several cellars in Wellington that are making waves in the wine industry. Approximately 70% of the winery’s grapes are grown on its own Estate, land that has been described as within "the top 5% soil quality in the land". The remainder of the grapes comes from other Wellington vineyards.

Visit the Diemersfontein website.

 

The Portfolio:

The Flagship Range known as Carpe Diem, reflects rigorous vineyard selection methods, harvested under conditions of optimal balance between chemical and physiological parameters. In the cellar it has longer maceration periods, and the wine is produced from mostly free-run juice. It is matured in new French and American oak barrels for a minimum period of 15 months. These wines have achieved significant success in both South African and International markets and are admired for their additional elegance and fruit intensity.

The premium range was launched in the year 2001 with four varietal wines - Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Merlot and Shiraz. Almost immediately, the tier’s special quality was recognise when the  Pinotage was awarded a coveted place in the ABSA Top Ten Pinotage competition of that year. The aim is to produce intense and well-balanced wine of substantial complexity with the potential to age well, whilst readily drinkable when young (wood matured between six and nine months). The ‘coffee/chocolate’ Pinotage (the original) in this range has made Diemersfontein many friends since its introduction.

The 2003 vintage marked the launch of Dimersfontein’s two first blends - "Summer's Lease" - a Shiraz based blend with Mourvedre and Pinotage, and "Heaven's Eye" - a Bordeaux type blend. These blends started their journey with Silver Awards from the 2004 International Wine Challenge, and four stars in the Platter Guide.

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