ANWILKA THEN AND NOW

The Anwilka vineyard is located in Stellenbosch’s prime Helderberg region just 7km from the ocean. The Helderberg area stretches from Somerset West to the edge of Stellenbosch and is affectionately known as ‘the Golden Triangle’, a top wine growing area that’s diversity in soil types as well as the specific microclimate make it the prime area for producing some of the world’s best red wines. The property was purchased in the late 1990s and extensive replanting of 40ha of vineyards comprising primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot followed.

Anwilka was founded by, Lowell Jooste (the former co-owner of Klein Constantia) along with internationally renowned Bordeaux wine personalities Hubert de Boüard (co-owner of Chateau Angélus in Saint Emilion) and Bruno Prats (former owner of Chateau Cos d’Estournel in Saint- Estèphe). The eponymous maiden vintage blend of Syrah-Cabernet was released in 2005. By combining great winemaking traditions and innovations, the founders’ singular goal was to create an exceptional South African red wine made using the wealth of experience provided by their partnership.

ANWILKA TODAY

In May 2012 Anwilka Vineyards merged with Klein Constantia Estate, purchased in 2011 by Zdenek Bakala and Charles Harman. De Boüard and Prats remain in the newly-merged company as shareholders. “The Stellenbosch vineyards of Anwilka will be a great addition to our portfolio, and we are very happy to welcome Hubert and Bruno as partners. Together we see the potential of establishing Anwilka as one of the leading red wine estates out of South Africa.”

THE VINEYARD AND TERROIR

Stellenbosch is recognized as the Cape’s premium red wine producing district. The significant maritime influence in the Helderberg region of Stellenbosch delivers exceptional fruit quality. The matching of grape varieties to specific sites was carefully considered at Anwilka. Their perfect terroir produces low yielding healthy vines and grapes. The gentle slopes assist water drainage during the winter rains, retaining the soils moisture throughout the growing season.
Anwilka is currently planted to 39 hectares of vineyards, predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. To add extra dimension and improve our blending components, the decision was made to plant Malbec and Petit Verdot a few years ago.

After 20 years of farming at Anwilka we have gained a careful understanding of the vineyards – helping us to best prepare the land, determine the layout of the blocks, select the best varieties, clones and rootstocks for this unique site.
The soil itself is well drained with a clay sub soil. A distinguishing factor of our soil is that it comprises of predominantly ‘Koffieklip’ (Ferricrete or Coffee Stone – course pebbles and bigger stones high in iron content).