Stellenrust

Stellenrust brought something unique to the South African wine scene in 2010. The first full Cremant style Methode Cap Classique – a sparkling wine made in the traditional Méthode Champenoise way, but without the traditional varieties. The name Clement de Lure (ie subtle temptation) derived from the style of wine traditional to the Loire valley in France – Cremant de Loire.

Stellenrust brings something quite unique to the South African wine scene. Being known as one of the best producers of Chenin Blanc in South Africa, holding the IWSC International Trophy for Chenin Blanc for two years running, the family thought it apt, to develop a sparkling wine in honour of the Cinderella grape.

With our mother being Italian, the influence from Prosecco styles of tank fermented, Charmat method, Italian sparkling wines were called for seeing that we already produce sparkling wine in the bottle fermented version.

Stellenrust’s international success of the Charmat Chenin blanc sparkling has raised calls for the addition of a Rose bubbly to spice things up on the pink side of life. In the words of Aerosmith: “Pink, it's my new obsession, yeah, Pink, it’s not even a question, Pink on the lips of your lover, Cause pink is the love you’ll discover”

With our mother being Italian, the influence from Prosecco styles of tank fermented, Charmat method, Italian sparkling wines were called for seeing that we already produce sparkling wine in the bottle fermented version.

As tradition has taught us, we still perform a sectional harvest on our Sauvignon Blanc. A third is picked at 18 Balling (greener flavours), a third at 20 Balling and a third at 23 Balling (more tropical flavours). These three harvests are fermented separately to create three tanks capturing all the characteristics this enchanting grape can offer.

A cold and wet winter in 2022, allowed for early budding and foliage development in Spring to create a good environment for the ripening of Chenin Blanc through a dry but cooler 2023 summer. The old bush vines showed their strength in this vintage.

The Simplicity is a trusted friend of plenty South Africans and international supporters of Stellenrust. Since its inception in 2005, it is still our fastest growing label with the sole focus on producing excellent quality wine at an excellent price.

Cabernet Sauvignon, still strongly holds the crown as ‘king of the grapes’ and has a very special place in Stellenbosch.

Merlot is probably one of the most difficult grape varieties to grow worldwide. This is why we take extra care in the vineyards to make this wine on the vines, rather than in the cellar. Harvesting time in accordance to climate and season is of ultra importance.

Pinotage is one of the grapes showing most potential in South Africa. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if it is grown and vinified correctly, it becomes an interesting wine with depth and character able to compete with any of the other noble varieties.

This is probably the wine where the extent of the diversity between two of our different farms come to light best. The Bottelary Shiraz has always been known for phenolic sweetness and ripe flavours whereas Helderberg fruit are often more dense and extracted.

Grapes for this wine is harvested from a 58 year old single vineyard of Chenin Blanc on the slopes of the Bottelary Hills, hence the number on the front of the bottle referring to age of the vines in the year the wine was made.

Pinotage still forms the Cornerstone of South Africa’s wine industry although Chenin blanc is giving it a good run for its money.

The Peppergrinder’s Shiraz is the epitome of what Golden Triangle Shiraz is capable of. It speaks of terroir, climate and age old vineyards.

In winemaking, emphasis often only falls on chemistry, technique, passion and vineyards. So often the most important element of all is neglected: time. The Timeless is made in honour of this one element intrinsic to the success of any wine.