The magic of Zandvliet wines springs from a unique terroir

“Zandvliet is the essence of a place in time,” says Jacques Cilliers, winemaker at the eponymous Cape estate.

Zandtvliet winemaker, Jacques Cilliers

“It is the echo of history and everchanging influence of Nature. “Fortunately for us, our vines adore it and it shows in the wine,” he adds.

For many, Zandvliet is the home of Shiraz. The wine estate was among the first in the country to bottle the noble cultivar. But Shiraz is not the only variety that thrives on the farm. It has attained a loyal following among cognoscenti who eagerly await every new vintage of Chardonnay and other classic offerings too.

The sprawling property straddles the Cogmans River, with the great Langeberg Mountains casting a broad arm around from the north and dwindling to the south-east. A small range of low limestone hills lies on Zandvliet’s southern half, bringing the special magic to its calcareous earth, or kalkveld, terroir. Only 130km due south lies the southernmost point of Africa - dynamo of the breezes that cool our hills in summer.

The key to its success with wine grapes is that calcareous Karoo soil with an underlay of red clay and pockets of chalky limestone, which feed the vines and deliver firm acidity, concentrated flavours and trace minerality that are delicately managed via the cellar, from vineyard to bottle.

And so it has been for centuries and continues to be with Zandvliet within the Van Loveren portfolio since October 2019. Here, time-honoured tradition meets modern-day expertise to produce pure luxury in a glass.

Zandvliet wines remain consistently recognised for their timeless elegance, style and quality. Most recently, Zandvliet received Platinum for Hill of Enon Small Berry Pick 2018, Double Gold for Kalkveld 2016 and, Double Silver for the Zandvliet Shiraz 2016 at this year’s NWC/Top 100 SA Wines Challenge, re-affirming Zandvliet’s status as one of South Africa’s leading producers.

The current portfolio comprises a diverse collection of wines that showcase not only Zandvliet’s history, but the outstanding terroir at its disposal.

Zandvliet Shiraz 2017

Complexity on the nose of this wine incorporates aromas of plums, blackcurrants and pepper with hints of mixed spice. The palate is seamless and supple with hints of dark chocolate. It sells for around R120/bottle.

Zandvliet Chardonnay 2019

The Chardonnay shows a nose of lime, nectarine, passion fruit and peach with hints of butterscotch. These follow through onto a harmonious palate that lingers on the finish. It is priced at around R120/bottle.

Zandvliet Shiraz Rosé 2020

A distinct bouquet of rose petals, melon, strawberries and raspberries coulis in this wine is joined by a well-rounded palate that is refreshingly vibrant. Flavours recall red fruit while the finish has a delightful floral undertone. The wine sells for around R85/bottle.

Zandvliet Muscat 2018

Expect intense flavours of muscat, orange peel and rose petals with a hint of spice. This low alcohol (7.17%) wine bursts with intense aromas of apricot, orange peel, rose petals and hints of spice. These flow onto a smooth, balanced palate. The price is around R85/bottle.

Kalkveld Shiraz 2016

This delicately layered wine has a nose of plums, prunes and violets with a touch of spice. The palate is delicate, showing subtle wood integration on the long, velvet finish. It is priced from around R240/bottle.

Hill of Enon Shiraz 2018

A delicate nose of blueberries, liquorice and dark chocolate is drawn through to the palate of this wine. There are delicate flavours of wood spice, plums, cigar box and chocolate that conclude in a long, smooth finish. The wine sells for around R445/bottle.

Zandvliet wines are available from its online shop and leading retailers and restaurants countrywide.

For more information, contact zandvliet@vanloveren.co.za or visit www.zandvliet.co.za. Find and share your memories of the estate with ZandvlietWine on Twitter, Instagram and, as ZandvlietWines, on Facebook and Pinterest.