Earlier than anticipated, our Winemaker, Morné Very, has initiated the harvest at Delaire Graff Estate.
Throughout the year and as harvest time draws near, Morné works closely alongside Estate Viticulturist Kallie Fernhout as they meticulously manage the vineyards to ensure that growth and ripening periods take place at a complimentary pace – while at the same time anticipating and understanding that they are beholden to Mother Nature.
A long, wet winter, followed by ample sunshine and intense heat, has resulted in the development of the tannins in our grapes' skins and phenolic ripeness has been achieved. Sugar, acidity and tannins are now at their optimum levels and in perfect balance, and it is time for the fruit to be carefully handpicked.
Positioned atop the Helshoogte Pass – which winds its way through the Simonsberg and Jonkershoekberge mountain ranges – the Estate’s 17 hectares of vineyards are deeply rooted in ancient soils – a flawless combination of maritime and mountainous terroir. Each site experiences a unique microclimate, with cultivars precisely planted in relation to the sunlight and further enhanced by row direction to ensure excellent quality fruit with minimal vintage variation.
At the very highest point on the Estate, between 415 and 485 metres above sea level, our Sauvignon Blanc grapes are planted west-facing with harvested grapes used within our Delaire Graff White Reserve and Delaire Graff Coastal Cuvée Sauvignon Blanc, which is renowned for its rich tropical fruit flavours, underpinned by layers of blackcurrant, gooseberry and nettles and fresh, crisp acidity.
The Chardonnay grapes used within our Delaire Graff Estate Terraced Block Reserve are planted 385 metres above sea level in a combination of north, northeast and northwest facing – the shape of an elegant crescent moon. The result is an expressive combination of almonds, pears and passionfruit on the palate, supported by a crisp acidity and fine spicy minerals, with a bouquet of smoky floral and citrus notes on the nose.
In contrast, the Estate’s Merlot grapes for the Delaire Graff Estate Banghoek Reserve Merlot are grown on neutral ground, 345 metres above sea level, within our oldest single vineyard. Firm and well-balanced, this wine is characterised by spicy, dark plum, and berry flavours, whilst silky, ripe tannins ensure a long and lingering finish.
Now that the harvest has begun, our grapes will be plucked from the vines in the cool early hours of the African morning and then carefully transported to our cellar, where the wine-making process will begin – with 2024 marking our 20th harvest at Delaire Graff Estate.