The wine

The vineyard for the Clay Shales is a single site which is at a lofty 300m altitude just outside of the Hemel-En-Aarde ridge ward. The combination of the altitude and the maritime influence from the site’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean give the site a cool maritime climate that delays ripening and helps retain freshness. Alongside these factors the soils (a clay shale mix) help to restrict vine vigour and crop levels whilst ensuring optimum fruit development.

The harvested grapes are whole bunch pressed without enzymes, SO2 or commercial yeasts being added and after settling the juice is transferred to a mix of 228L and 500L French oak (20% new) for fermentation and aging (10 months). The wine itself is a masterclass in combining fruit concentration, freshness and oak to produce a finished cuvee with exceptional balance. Citrus, peach and white flower aromas combine with spice and caramel notes and are all carried along on the palate by exceptional freshness.

The producer

Crystallum is something of a case of not being able to escape your destiny – brothers...