Product Description
Varieties
Syrah: 61%
Cabernet Sauvignon: 39%
The Vineyard
Rust en Vrede Estate lies south of Stellenbosch, approximately 15km from False Bay. The property is nestled on the lower slopes of the Helderberg Mountain between 85m and 130m above sea level, with a view on Table Mountain to the West. Vineyards are situated on North facing slopes, with a small portion of North-East and North-West facing slopes that provide subtle nuances in aspect. Shielded from the powerful South-Easterly wind by the Helderberg and Stellenbosch mountains, and protected from the South-Westerly wind off the Atlantic by the foothills of the Helderberg, Rust en Vrede is a warmer microcosm in the Helderberg area, which is why we specialize in reds, particularly Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. These varieties lend themselves to full bodied wines with powerful structure and excellent aging potential.
Halfway between the town of Stellenbosch and Somerset West, tucked into the folds of the Helderberg foothills, Rust en Vrede truly lives up to its name, “rest and peace”. Well protected from the elements and cooling influences of the nearby ocean, we have authentic Stellenbosch terroir producing authentic Stellenbosch wines.
Tukulu soils – ancient, rich soils that are made up of decomposed granite and Table Mountain sandstone. Iron stone and weakly degraded granite increase the drainage in the rich soils.
The warm and dry Mediterranean climate with protection from prevailing wind provides ideal conditions for fully ripening our late-maturing varieties. Average annual rainfall of 620mm.
With a large number sunshine hours during ripening and north facing slopes, the conditions are ideal for late-ripening varieties that require maximum sunlight to reach optimal ripeness.
Vines are vertically trellised, irrigation managed with care and all farm activities carried out in a sustainable and ecologically conscious way. Pruning and harvest are done by hand.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Clones: 18H, 37C, 46C, CS163, CS169, CS338 & CS23A.
Syrah
Clones: SH1, SH21, SH9, SH99 & SH470
Merlot
Clones: MO192, MO348
The Harvest
Grapes are selected from the two single vineyard parcels of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, the oldest and best vines on the Estate.
The Cellar
Malolactic Fermentation in Barrel. 22 months in 100% French oak with 50% new 300L barrels.
Fermentation in open top tanks with pump overs and manual punch-downs performed 4 times a day. 21-day maceration followed by malolactic conversion. Maturation in French oak.
Aging Potential
The immense tannin structure from the Cabernet Sauvignon and fruit and spice form the Syrah ensure that this wine will age well over the next decade.
