The best wines from Robertson in South Africa

The Robertson wine district is actually a ‘new kid on the block’ in South African wine. Although pioneers planted vines here in the nineteenth century, Robertson has only really been praised for its wines since the 1990s. In the past, Robertson mainly produced (sweet) fortified wines. But progressive winemakers are now mainly focusing on dry and sparkling white quality wines.

Robertson is located east of Cape Town and is a dry and warm, even hot area in summer. The necessary cooling comes from the south-east of the Indian Ocean. But even more important for wine growing is the Breede River that runs through this valley and that makes it possible to irrigate the vineyards. The construction of a dam in 1983 ensures that the water supply in the vineyards is regulated. And with that also the yields of the vines. And behold the beginning of an interesting wine industry.

From strong and sweet to fine and dry

In the distant past, Robertson was known for the production of fortified and semi-sweet wines from Muscat grapes and Colombard. Preferably also in large quantities. That was not difficult in this fertile valley. Now the focus is on fine dry white wines and sparkling wines, made mainly from Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and a small part Chenin Blanc and Colombard. 30% of the planted area consists of blue grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. In addition, the different grape varieties are now planted in the soil types in which they flourish best.

The white grapes are mainly planted in the alluvial soils with sand, loam and red clay also known as 'Red Karoo'. Rich in calcium with a great capacity to retain water. Further away from the river, towards the hills of Sonderend and Langeberg, there is not only more variation in the climate, but also in the composition of the soil. More shale, hardened clay, which retains less water. The blue grapes in particular find this pleasant.

The developments of the past thirty years have made Robertson a noteworthy wine district. It is now a matter of time before Robertson is mentioned in the same breath as wine regions such as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.