Houmoed

Shellfish, Spicy food, Lean fish, Mild and soft cheese

Mooiplaas Wine Estate and Private Nature Reserve is situated in the Westward reaches of the Stellenbosch Winelands, approximately 40km east of Cape Town. We are a traditional working wine farm with history stretching back more than two centuries. The Roos Family has been the custodians of this land for three generations. Our vineyards lie on the steep slopes of the ancient mineral-rich soils of the Bottelary Hills, where we produce a range of environmentally friendly wines rooted in tradition and artisan techniques.

Grapes from the Houmoed vineyard block were used. A dry-land bush vine block, 2 ha in size, planted by Nicolaas Roos in 1972 on rootstock Richter 99, altitude 280m above sea level on a western slope of the Bottelary Hills. A clear line of sight to False Bay, which ensures an almost constant cooling sea breeze.

Aged in barrel for 9 months. 30% 1st fill, the balance 3rd and 4th fill oak (80% French and 20% Hungarian).

The much needed rainfall during winter and a relatively cool summer provided ideal conditions for growth and ripening. An outstanding vintage for white grapes, no heat waves and low night temperatures together with a dry summer and some welcoming rain in February provided flavourful grapes with 5% botrytis. Three hours skin contact, juice cleaned by settling, fermented with different yeast strains.