Producer Details
Zorgvliet (pronounced SORG-fleet, which roughly translates to ‘no worries’) is a small 200,000 bottle winery in Banghoek, on the Helshoogte Pass between Stellenbosch and Franschoek. This stunning estate that dates back to 1799, specialises in bordelaise varietals and is owned by Stephan van der Merwe and his family. ‘Elegance in Wine’ is the Zorgvliet philosophy, a sentiment fiercely supported by their head winemaker Bernard Le Roux, a young and upcoming talent who is passionate about vineyard quality and care. Grapes are grown on the steep slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain in vineyards that are amongst the highest in Stellenbosch. The estate wines are from site-specific single vineyards and are elegant expressions of this unique mountain terroir. The wines are crafted in the Zorgvliet cellar which today is still one of the most technologically advanced cellars in South Africa.
“Special Wines for Special People”
The Vineyard
10 year old vines, east & north-south facing row direction at an altitude of 260m on alluvial soil.
The Winery
Fermentation for 15 days at 28-30ºC, punched down twice daily for optimum colour and tannin extraction. When fermented dry it is pressed into stainless steel tanks, with malo in tank then maturation in French oak (not new) for 18 months.
What does it go with?
Rich fatty meat dishes like cassoulet or lamb, or conversely with super hot noodle or rice dishes from South East Asia.