Book XVII

Cuban Cigar

The truth is in the vine. The guiding philosophy that elevated this boutique estate into one of South Africa’s most respected premium wine producers. De Toren began with a view. Enchanted by the estate’s panoramic vistas stretching from the Helderberg, over False Bay and across to Table Mountain and recognising the untapped potential of this unique site, the foundation for De Toren’s innovative approach to crafting world-class Bordeaux-style wines, was laid. Working closely with academics from the Stellenbosch University, an extensive soil analysis of the property embarked. A dozen sampling holes were dug on each hectare of the farm, treble the wine industry’s standard practice. Across the estate’s 25 hectares, 15 separate soil types were identified and ultimately 25 clones across the five classic Bordeaux varieties were planted. Here this philosophy of craftsmanship and exceptional care was born and was applied to everything we have done ever since.

Ageing in 200% new premium French oak for 18 months. 200% new oak. Wine is aged for 12 months in new French Oak and transferred to new French Oak Barrels again for 6 months

Dropping crop loads to 300g per vine (Usually 3kg per vine). Each bunch hand manicured on the vine. Hand harvesting and destemming with workers wearing surgical gloves. Fermented in New French Oak Barrels. Hand punch-down