Our Vineyards | Simonsberg - Stellenbosch

The Simonsberg Mountain is made up of layers of sandstone in various stages of geological metamorphosis, forming part of the Table Mountain Sandstone complex. Beneath the sandstone there is a large granitic intrusion which is believed to have formed the many folds and cracks in the sandstone layers.

After years of weathering, these "parent materials" have resulted in the rich red soils which cover the foothills of this mountain. High clay, a significant fine sand content together with the high levels of rich organic matter provide a rich medium with a good capacity for water retention, enabling the vine to establish a deep flourishing root system.

Vineyard altitudes range from about 150m above sea level on the lower mid-slopes to 600m above sea level for the higher mid-slopes providing a range of different micro climates – all with a general southerly exposition. These micro-climates result in vineyards producing fruit with distinct differences lending complexity to the final blends in the cellar.

Climate conditions

Winters are generally moderate with 95% of the annual rainfall occurring between April and November. Average annual rainfall is in the region of 750mm per year. Winters are normally cool enough for the vine to move into a desired state of dormancy with snow on the peaks of the surrounding mountains a common occurrence.

Summer months can be very hot and dry with the warmest months being February and March. High wind levels are evident between the months of December and March. The wind, in combination with the heat during February and March,can result in high levels of stress for the vine trying to ripen its crop.

With correct viticulture these stress levels can result in thicker grape skins, increasing tannins and flavour – making this region very suitable to producing high quality red wines.

The harvest period generally begins towards the end of February and ends towards the end of March.

Vineyard layout

All vines have been established on phylloxera-resistant rootstock. Planting densities range from 2500 to 6000 vines per hectare. Trellising systems incorporate spur pruning and vertical shoot positioning with head pruning being used on certain vineyards.

On the Simonsberg, we have focused primarily on the establishment of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz with smaller plantings of Cabernet Franc, Mouvedre, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier.

Our Vineyards | Agulhas - Overberg

Cape Agulhas is situated at the southernmost tip of Africa, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet.

As a wine growing area, the Cape Agulhas is distinct from other areas in that it enjoys a cool climate. Quoin Rock Vineyards is located in this cool climate area. T

he name "Quoin Rock" is derived from Quoin Rock just off Quoin Point, which is about 30km southwest of Quoin Rock Vineyards. Quoin Point is the outer eastern point of the Danger Point Peninsula area and the second most southern tip of Africa. Between Danger Point to the west and Cape Infanta, about 140 Shipwrecks have been mapped. Most of these shipwrecks are around Cape Agulhas, Arniston and Quoin Point. These date from as early as the "Joanna" in 1682 where salvagers found bottles of wine and brandy and Spanish American silver bullion and cob coins.

The history of Quoin Point and its shipwrecks are closely connected to that of Elim, the Moravian mission village nearby. Over the years, the residents of Elim provided assistance to victims of shipwrecks. Queen Victoria even granted the right to use the land at Quoin Point to residents after the Elim residents provided assistance at the wrecking of the "Jessie" in 1829 at Quoin Point.

The vineyards, since 1998, have been established on the southern mid-slopes of the Bredasdorp Mountains. Vineyard altitudes range from 135m above sea level on the lower mid-slopes to 210m above sea level on the higher mid-slopes. The soils in this area, which have a pH ranging from 5.0 to 6.1 are derived from sandstone, laterite (koffieklip) and of granitic origin. High contents of coarse sand and 60 - 80% stone provide good drainage. Selective harvesting is done by hand and transported in small ventilated crates to the Quoin Rock Winery in Stellenbosch by means of a refrigerated truck.

Climate conditions

The main climate determinant in this area is the ocean, being only 26km from the farm, and with vineyards nestled in a kloof in the mountain, it has an annual rainfall of over 600mm – favouring conditions for dry land vineyards. The April 2005 floods (405mm) pushed the annual figure for 2005 to over 1000mm. It has an entirely different microclimate, governed by the southerly winds into the Agulhas Plain and thus has a completely different flora to that north of the coastal hills.

Wines originating from the Agulhas locality have unique "terroir" characteristics, brought about because of the particular climate and soil conditions found in this region. Winter temperatures are always cool enough to ensure a uniform state of dormancy in the vines. Summer temperatures are moderate with the vines rarely experiencing high levels of stress. Higher humidity and frequent rainfall during the ripening period of the grapes can pose a risk to viticulture with losses to botrytis being quite common.

High wind levels are also very common in this area. Wind has both positive and negative effects for viticulture. Strong winds in spring and early summer can injure new growth and young bunches, as well as reduce fruit set. There is however a positive influence with winds. Air circulation helps in preventing high relative humidity and therefore assists in reducing the chances of diseases. Wind can also thicken the skins of the grapes, increasing the intensity of flavour.

Additionally, the uniquely cooler ripening conditions preserve flavour and acidity in the grapes with tannins remaining soft and elegant. This makes the area specially suited to producing grapes which benefit from cooler ripening conditions such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Noir. In such areas, there will be variability in wines from year to year. This is a typical characteristic of a cool climate wine growing area.

Vineyard layout

Planting densities range from 3333-4000 vines per hectare. The general trellising system incorporates spur pruning and vertical shoot positioning. In Cape Agulhas, we have focused primarily on the establishment of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc with smaller plantings of Merlot and Pinot Noir.

Wine Growing Philosophy

Quoin Rock strives to produce wines that are unique to Quoin Rock and that hopefully maintain a level of similarity throughout the different vintages. Although this topic is hotly debated, we believe that “terroir” – or a sense of place and authenticity – is very important. It is for this reason that Quoin Rock goes to great lengths to employ viticulture practices that encourage the expression of these nuances.

Manual Labour

Vineyard workers are very important as it’s their hands that form and create the vines and the resultant fruit. Our workers are trained in a production philosophy unique to Quoin Rock and a mentorship program ensures the continuity of this philosophy, where “apprentices” are trained by more experienced workers.

Herbicides and Pesticides

Herbicides and pesticides are kept to an absolute minimum. Should a treatment be required, it is limited to localised manual spraying on a vine per vine basis with a manually operated back pack spray machine. Organically certified products are always favoured over non-certified as they are generally more forgiving on the environment. Mechanical options are used to control ground cover in the vineyards in place of chemical herbicides which tend to denude the soil and destroy the natural balance.

Fertilising and disease prevention

Composts, mulch and cover crops are favoured over chemical fertilizers and where soil chemistry correction is required, a minimalist approach is preferred. Fungal disease prevention is kept to a minimum with our spray volumes constituting 20-25% of the industry average. Contact products are preferred to systemic products and organic certified products are favoured over non-certified products. Vine canopy management which allows air movement through the leaves is key to preventing disease and allows for much lower spray volumes.

Irrigation

We try to exclude intensive irrigation during the growing season, limiting it to a post-harvest use. Crops are controlled to minimise stress on the vine although water is available as a lifeline to rescue a vineyard that is in decline.

Biodiversity

We encourage biodiversity in the vineyards with indigenous fynbos vegetation finding its way back into the actual vineyard blocks. The fynbos is pruned on an annual basis to prevent growth into the vine canopy.

Anyone is welcome to visit our vineyards to witness our production practices. Please arrange for an appointment should you wish to visit.