Boekenhoutskloof
This Semillon is crafted from vineyards officially recognised as heritage sites — among the oldest in South Africa. Three distinct parcels in the Franschhoek region, now perfectly adapted to their respective terroirs, yield wines of remarkable depth and complexity. Thanks to their deep root systems and high skin-to-pulp ratio, these old vines produce wines with great structure and exceptional ageing potential.
Two of the vineyards used — planted in 1902 and 1942 — are unirrigated bush vines, growing on near-flat terrain in the ancient Franschhoek riverbed. The soils are alluvial, rich in silt and organic matter. The third vineyard, planted in 1936, is located further up the valley, on a steep 45-degree south-facing slope of decomposed granite and quartz.
Some of the vines in these parcels have naturally mutated from Semillon to Semillon Gris, showing a slight pinkish hue and thicker skins. These grapes take longer to ripen and are therefore harvested during a second picking. To enhance the final blend’s aromatic profile, a small proportion of Muscat d’Alexandrie — also from a centenarian vineyard (planted in 1902) — was included.
The 2021 vintage benefited from generally wet weather and cool evening temperatures, encouraging a slow and balanced ripening process. The vines showed healthy growth and lush canopies, allowing for a gradual and carefully timed harvest. The result: a wine with vibrant minerality and a seductive, elegant character.
Vinification: Grapes were whole-bunch pressed and spontaneously fermented in 225-litre French oak barrels and concrete eggs. The wine was matured for 14 months at low temperatures without the addition of sulphur: 70% in new French oak barrels and 30% in concrete eggs. This low-temperature oxidative approach enhances the natural texture of old-vine Semillon, adding structure and longevity. The Muscat d’Alexandrie underwent skin fermentation and was aged in clay amphorae.
Analytical data: Residual Sugar: 1.50 g/l | Total Acidity: 5.20 g/l | pH: 3.26
Wine of Origin (W.O.): Franschhoek
Allergens information
Contains sulphites.
SKU: 106952
