Wine Innovation profile: Arumdale

The small South African estate of Arumdale in Elgin utilises the unique nature of its terroir to nurture slow-ripening red grapes which hang off the vines for around five to seven weeks longer than usual.

The resulting grapes carry an extremely soft texture and produce wines with a smooth ripe tannic finish.

“The ripeness of our Arumdale grape bunches is gauged in observation of seed-colour, flesh texture, skin texture along with the fruit sugar development,” said proprietor Mark Simpson.

“Red wines from our area are not the commonest sight.”

Formerly an estate primarily engaged in deciduous fruit production, Simpson selected the land where his vineyards now lie due to their fine choice of soils and slopes.

Historically, the Elgin area produced almost exclusively white grapes to be made into wines, but Simpson was one of the few who utilised the cool climate conditions to grow red grapes. Indeed, he was the first to plant a Shiraz vineyard in the area.

Today, Arumdale is gaining very strong local and foreign recognition for the fine quality of its five wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, a sparkling pink Shiraz, and a Sauvignon Blanc.

The “Rolls Royce” of the range, according to Simpson, is the Arumdale St Andrew, made from 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 10% Shiraz.

“I have strictly instructed that there must be uniqueness in all of our Arumdale offerings,” said Simpson. “Let’s see where we go as we build our experience.”

Arumdale is just one of a plethora of entrants in the drinks business Wine Innovation Awards. Click here for more details. 

To find out more about Arumdale, email royalwine@arumdale.co.za or visit www.arumdale.co.za

db, 16.09.2010