The Vineyard
Kloovenburg vineyards stretch along the lower contours of Kasteelberg (which translates as Castle Mountain), offering a diverse collection of soils, altitudes, and different slopes.
Of the farm’s 300 hectares, 110 are under wine grapes, the best 30% of which are reserved for making Kloovenburg’s own wines.
The soil is mainly Malmesbury schist, with strong loamy soil on the higher ground. The sandier loam lower down the slopes is supplemented by the area’s rich Hutton soil. This varied selection of soils lends itself to planting proportions of 60% red and 40% white, comprised of the following cultivars: Shiraz, the most planted cultivar, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Novelle, Chenin Blanc, Colombar, Pinot Noir, Mourvedre, and Petit Verdot.
Our Sauvignon Blanc is the highest block on the farm, 360 m above sea level, providing perfect conditions for growing a cool-climate varietal.
In 2011, we planted bush vine Grenache, Mourvedre, Shiraz, and Carignan and in August 2015 we are planning to extend our portfolio with Chenin Blanc, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, and Verdello .
Future plantings will include Shiraz with exiting new clone variations.