With love for the land
The Old Vine Project
Young and fresh, old and done? Not so in the wine business. In wine marketing, "Vieilles Vignes, Alte Reben or Old Vines" are booming.
The "Old Vine Project" is a fascinating undertaking dedicated to the preservation and appreciation of historic grapevines and wine varieties. This project aims to revive old grape varieties and wine styles that have not been cultivated or produced in South Africa for many years.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this project is the identification and rescue of old vineyards, which have often been neglected or overgrown. These old vineyards harbor unique genetic diversity and historical heritage that is worth preserving. The grapes harvested from these old vineyards are then used for the production of wines that revive the traditional styles and flavors from bygone eras.
This initiative has gained recognition in South Africa and beyond, demonstrating the importance of preserving cultural heritage and biodiversity in viticulture. It allows wine connoisseurs to discover unique wines with a rich history and gives winemakers the opportunity to experiment with old grape varieties and produce new, exciting wines.
Old Vine is considered a mark of quality, possessing denser aromas because the vines root deeper to access water and nutrients. Thus, they survive more easily in hot climates, where there is little to no rain.
Old Vine grapes show less fruit, but reflect the earth and terroir on which they grew.
"Old Vine" from South Africa
The global wine world has its eyes on the Old Vine Project in South Africa. While elsewhere the focus is on harvesting and yield, the so-called mass business, more and more wineries in South Africa are relying on old vines.
It began in 2003 in South Africa with the search for old vineyards older than 35 years. This is the minimum age of the vines. Meanwhile, there are approximately 3700 hectares of Old Vine vines and 10 vineyards that are even more than 100 years old. Almost 2000 hectares are planted with Chenin Blanc, the most widely grown variety in South Africa. These vines reflect the terroir and landscape, and are a tribute to the winemaker's love for the land. The Certified Heritage Vineyards label ensures the planting date of the vineyard. Numerous award-winning wines come from certified wineries across all wine styles, regions and varieties.
