wines.

Joostenberg, a small family owned and managed wine farm, produces an exclusive range of wines that place emphasis on individuality, sustainable farming and natural winemaking. A special importance is placed on the Chenin Blanc and Syrah grape varietals.

Distributors

History
Mixed agriculture was practiced from the early days and wine and brandy was made on the farm from the early 1800’s until 1947. Joostenberg was bought by the Myburgh family in 1879 and ownership has remained in the family since then. The brothers Tyrrel and Philip Myburgh are the 5th generation of Myburghs to farm this land. The oldest homestead on the farm is a classic “Cape Dutch” manor house, dating back to 1756, and has been declared a national monument.

In 1947 winemaking ceased and for the following 52 years grapes were sold to the local co-op. In 1999 Tyrrel and Philip resumed the winemaking tradition and Joostenberg wines are now sold both locally and abroad.

Climate and soils
Joostenberg is situated in the Muldersvlei area approximately 15km north of Stellenbosch and 15km west of Paarl. Our wines carry the “Wine of Origin Paarl” designation. Annual rainfall is 640mm, most of which occurs during winter. During the ripening period the grapes are cooled by morning mists and late afternoon southerly winds (the “Cape Doctor”) blowing from the Atlantic Ocean. These morning mists, which intensify as autumn approaches, encourage the growth of Noble Rot (Botrytis cinerea) and allow us to produce the Joostenberg Chenin Blanc Noble Late Harvest.

Soils are predominantly duplex (i.e. multi-layered) with a heavy clay subsoil and topsoil which varies between decomposed granite and Malmesbury shale.

Vineyards and winemaking
In keeping with both a commitment to environmentally friendly farming practices and a desire to produce wines that reflect their origin, all the vineyards are farmed according to “organic” principles. Full organic certification will be achieved in April 2011.

The planted varietals include Chenin Blanc, Viognier and Roussanne on the white side and Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah/Shiraz, Touriga Nacional and Mouvedre on the red side. The current area planted is 31ha and the annual yield is about 120tons.

A minimal intervention approach is followed in the winery. Most wines are fermented using “natural” yeasts and all additives are kept to an absolute minimum. The use of new wood is restricted in order to maximise “terroir expression”.