Neethlingshof Gewurztraminer, Stellenbosch

Description

Neethlingshof Gewurztraminer is an aromatic white wine from Neethlingshof Estate. Neethlingshof estate in Stellenbosch takes its name from its 19th century owner, Marthinus Laurentius Neethling, who served as mayor of Stellenbosch and was a member of the Cape Parliament. Neethlingshof is a member of the Biodiversity & Wine Initiative, acknowledged for its protection of indigenous habitat, the 273 ha estate has set aside 116 ha for conservation. They cultivates both red and white varietals, with the bias marginally in favour of whites. The main white varieties are Sauvignon blanc, Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer. The predominant soil types found on the farm are Oakleaf and Tukulu.

Neethlingshof Gewurztraminer is made from 100% Gewurztraminer grapes sourced from trellised vines, grafted onto Richter 99 rootstocks, with an age of over 16 years old. These vines are established in deep red Tukulu soils on the southern slopes facing False Bay. Here, the sea breezes have a cooling influence on the vineyard during the summer months to decelerate ripening and make for more concentrated flavours. After hand harvesting the grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks.

Winemaker since 2003 is De Wet Viljoen who studied oenology and viticulture at Stellenbosch University. One of De Wet’s old lecturers, the highly regarded consulting viticulturist, Professor Eben Archer, works with the estate.