Landskroon Wine Estate
History:
Landskroon is situated in the heart of the Cape Winelands of South Africa near Paarl.
Its winemaking tradition dates back to the late 17th century when the French Huguenot settlers came to the Cape to develop the fledging wine industry started in 1665 by the first commander of the new colony, Jan van Riebeeck. Among the new comers was Jacques de Villiers, a winemaker from Niort in France. In 1874 his great-grandson Paul bought a portion of the original Landskroon farm which had been granted to a Free Burgher by Governor Simon van der Stel in 1692.
This expansion continues today. Landskroon comprises more than 600 hectares- with vineyards covering nearly 300 hectares. The Estate is managed as a private family operation, owned by brothers Paul and Hugo de Villiers. All products marketed under the Landskroon label originate from the Estate. Six members of the family are involved on a full-time basis and current winemaker Paul de Villiers (jnr) is a member of the ninth generation carrying on the proud family tradition in winemaking.
Viticulture and vinification:
 | The Estate is situated on the south-western slopes of the Paarl Mountains approximately 50 kilometres from the Indian Ocean. The estate's location and favourable microclimate are ideally suited to the production of red wines. Quality is the watchword and Landskroon's winemakers believe that the winemaking process should be kept as natural as possible, without excessive irrigation or addition of chemicals. |
Seventy percent of the vineyards at Landskroon consist of the red wine varietals Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Shiraz, Cinsaut and Pinotage. The Port varieties Tinta Barocca, Tinta Roriz, Souzao, andTouriga Nacional constitute approximately 10% of the production, while the remainder of the farm is devoted to white wine varietals such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Morio Muscat.
Approximately fifteen hectares of the vineyards are renewed annually. Immediate new plantings will concentrate on Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
Find out more about Landskroon from their website at http://www.landskroonwines.com/
Wines
- Landskroon Pinotage
A ripe full-bodied red in typically approachable Landskroon style. Rich and supple with lots of smoky cherry fruit flavours.
2004 Vintage won Bronze in the International Wine Challenge 2006, London.
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- Landskroon Cabernet Sauvignon
This dense ripe, soft red has a lot of character and class. A classic claret style with sweet berry fruits and broad soft tannins.
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Decanter Magazine, March 2006 ()
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- Landskroon Chenin Blanc
A well balanced, ripe, refreshing white wine, with classic Chenin flavours of honeysuckle and cream and a crisp fresh finish.
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- Landskroon Merlot
Soft, warm and inviting, with ripe fruitcake and berry aromas and flavours, supported by soft tannins and buttery oak. Super Merlot.
"Landskroon Merlot from the Cape, having proved seductive on the nose, engages the taste buds with enthusiastic hedgerow fruitiness. "MALCOLM GLUCK THE GUARDIAN
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- Landskroon Ruby
"One of South Africa's most successful Port-style wines in the last decade, getting better every year as the proportion of Touriga Nacional in the blend increases. Inky, dark, almost opaque; fragrant, rich as the most opulent Christmas cake; spicy, yet all the luxe, dry finishing." JOHN PLATTER SOUTH AFRICAN WINES 2002
**** John Platter 2005
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- Landskroon Shiraz
"The full bodied palate is bursting with brooding blackberry, punchy plum and piquant pepper. There is a whiff of kindling wood smoke on the nose and the finish is earthy and long. You can enjoy the wine right now, but it could easily live in the cellar for another 3 or 4 years." MATTHEW JUKES – DAILY MAIL
'mix of plums & fragrant scrub; almost sweet on palate, spicy touches, very long finish' 3.5 star rating John Platter Wine Guide 05
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