"A vineyard with a view of the ocean is a good vineyard."
That's the word from David Saayman, soil scientist at
the Distillers Corporation in Stellenbosch. His expert opinion was called
upon when De Toren Private Cellar first set out to plant the four remaining
cultivars to be used in their five varietal blend. In the past only Cabernet
Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc were produced on the farm.
A thorough analysis of the 25-hectare property in 1996
revealed seven different soil types, each of which required a different
cultivar clone to maximise the wine complexity.
The cultivar and rootstock selections were done to
complement the soil types. Specifically the prolific growers like Malbec was
planted on the poorer soils like Sterkspruit/Katspruit and Kroonstad/Estcourt,
where Merlot was planted on Oakleaf/Tukulu and Tukulu/Pinedene. Planting width
of the vines was also altered depending on the soil, cultivar and rootstock.
Reflecting on the farm's setting, David praised the
farm's southerly view of False Bay. "Situated on the southern slopes of
the Polkadraai Hills, the farm's
soil is relatively cool and the water drainage is good.
Add to that a constant breeze from the ocean and the farm is air-conditioned
to perfection in a predominantly warm wine region. The altitude, ranging from
170 to 200 metres, is ideal while the soil is also not too fertile -- which is
exactly what's required," says David
Although certain wine labels still persist with absurd
references to fertile valleys, David Saayman is quick to invalidate the myth.
"You just don't grow quality grapes in fertile valleys. The well-informed
plant their vineyards higher up, on the less fertile slopes where moderate
growth will ensure optimal crop load.
"In the so-called fertile valley, a vineyard's
growth may become so excessive and vulgar that its grapes are neglected --
almost like an good-looking bodybuilder who is impotent."
