Winemaker Notes
At the foot of the spectacular Simonsberg mountain in the Franschhoek valley lies the historic French Huguenot farm Fredericksburg, established in 1690 and now home to Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons. It was in this valley that the early French Huguenots first discovered a terroir similar to that of certain winegrowing regions in France, over 300 years ago. Hence, their decision to settle and cultivate vineyards here.
In addition to the Rupert and Rothschild families striving to produce world-class wines, they are deeply committed to the preservation and conservation of the environment. The cellar is no exception when it comes to the philosophy of its owners: here, preservation and conservation are applied throughout thanks to the use of both traditional and modern winemaking techniques.
To produce the finest quality wine, meticulous attention is given to vineyard and cellar practices. Preserving the grapes at their optimal state prior to initiating the winemaking process is truly one of the great secrets of producing wine. At Rupert & Rothschild the bunches are carefully harvested by hand and intervention during the winemaking process is kept to a minimum.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Flanked by majestic mountains on either side, the Paarl district is a valley whose most valuable water source is the Berg River. While sometimes during dry and hot summers, the vineyards in the valley need supplemental irrigation, those vineyards on the eastern slopes where water retention is better, aren't irrigated.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc enjoy great success in Paarl.