LOCATION
Tradouw is situated in the heart of the Little Karoo. The terroir of Tradouw is influenced not only by the soil and climate but also by the unique geography of the Klein Karoo region. The vineyards are surrounded by the Langeberg Mountains, providing a specific topography that shelters the vines from harsh weather conditions and influences the temperature variations. The south-easterly wind pushes against the Langeberg mountains and cools down the air before it transcends down toward the valley. The combination of the semi-arid climate, unique soil composition, and geographical features contributes to wines with a balance of fruitiness, minerality, and a sense of place. Because of the valley’s dry conditions during the growing season, there is much less or no fungus growth, and therefore much fewer fungicides can be sprayed than in other commercial wine-producing areas, which makes sustainable farming so much easier and more environmentally friendly.
TERROIR
Our Cellar Master Series Chardonnay is planted on the region’s Bokkeveld-shale soil, which produces Chardonnay with a beautiful purity and minerality with lower pH and higher acidities (Chablis Styled in comparison to Elgin). The Cabernet Franc and Merlot vineyards are planted on clay-rich soils, which compares with right-bank Bordeaux. This soil has elegance, minerality, freshness, and a low pH.
CLIMATE
Tradouw has a continental climate. The average rainfall in Tradouw varies between 350 and 450mm per year. Tradouw vineyards are planted at an elevation of between 400 and 550 m above sea level. With a higher altitude and a continental climate, there is a significant diagonal difference in temperature between day and night. These cooler night temperatures extend grape maturation, which is necessary for flavour development and higher acid and colour stability. The warmer days lead to producing wines with more expression of fruit.