Sort, cultivation and origin of vines
As regards vine varieties on Capaia, red grapes predominate, occupying
48 hectares, which is equivalent to eighty percent of the area under vine.
Cabernet Sauvignon, which is rich in tannin, covers 16 hectares, with 15
hectares reserved for the mellow Merlot. These varieties are followed by
the light and hardy Cabernet Franc (11 hectares), which thrives even at
higher altitudes exposed to wind, and the exquisite Petit Verdot grape variety
(6 hectares), which prefers sheltered vineyard sites. Sauvignon Blanc, a
white variety and the top grape in southern climates, produces its aromas
on approximately 11 hectares.
We attach great importance to the origin and health status of young plants
(clones). Our red varieties are purchased from the Bouvet vine-breeding
station in Bordeaux, specialists in virus-free plant material. Prior to
their being planted in September 2000, the "French" had to be made accustomed
to the shift in seasons. In greenhouses, they had to await the vegetative
period that would begin only in October, the spring in South Africa. The
Sauvignon Blanc grapes, on the other hand, are "natives" from the Vredendal
vine-breeding station, where people also know how to breed virus-free clones.
These vines were planted in August 2002. The number of vines per hectare
has been limited to between 5,000 and 6,000. Between-row spacings of two
metres and between-vine spacings of one metre will leave vines with the
root space, light, and air that they require.
