At A Glance
- Field
- Detail
- Region
- South Africa
- Producer type
- Family owned wine estate
- Main grapes
- Chenin Blanc and Pinotage
- Signature wine
- Steytler Pinotage
- Defining feature
- Old bush vine Chenin Blanc and pure Pinotage
The Producer
Kaapzicht Wine Estate is a South African family estate built around Chenin Blanc and Pinotage. The Steytler family has farmed here since 1946, and the estate makes separate white and red wines from its core grapes.
Place
Kaapzicht sits on a 190 hectare property, with 162 hectares under vine. The planted area supports both white and red wine production, with Chenin Blanc and Pinotage handled as distinct varieties across the estate.
Story
Danie and George operate Kaapzicht as third generation owners. All vintages since 2010 carry IPW sustainability certification. The estate's current ownership therefore remains connected to the Steytler family's farming history, while production has moved into the next generation through Danie Junior's winemaking role.
Vineyards And Cellar
The Family Range Chenin Blanc comes from old bush vines that are hand harvested. After fermentation, the wine is racked off gross lees and held in full stainless steel tanks on fine lees until bottling. Fine lees are the smaller yeast particles left after heavier sediment has been removed. Time on fine lees can add light texture, while stainless steel preserves the fruit without oak influence.
Wines
The family range includes Chenin Blanc. Steytler Pinotage is made from 100% Pinotage, while Rooiland Pinotage combines 85% Pinotage with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. The range therefore moves from a Chenin Blanc white to a pure Pinotage red and then to a Pinotage led red blend.
In The Glass
The Chenin Blanc shows ripe quince, pineapple, stone fruit and citrus, with savory undertones and a hint of tropical richness. The palate is lightly textured, with a hint of sweetness and crunchy acidity, and the finish is brisk. The wine is fresh and lively, with citrus fruit unobscured by oak.
Steytler Pinotage is dominated by cherry and red fruit aromas, backed by inky and vanilla notes. Spice and richness fill the palate before an earthy finish. Oak ageing contributes to the vanilla character and adds depth to the red fruit.
A Bottle To Understand It
Choose Family Range Chenin Blanc. It is the estate's Chenin Blanc bottle, with a stated ageing window of 2 to 4 years. The white wine format places it before the Pinotage bottles, where the range changes grape and colour.
Anecdote
From 2005 to 2009, Danie Junior made wine in France, New Zealand, California, Italy and Greece. He was 25 when he returned to the family company and joined as winemaker in February 2009. Four years of harvest work had taken him through five countries before he came back to lead production at Kaapzicht. International cellar work can teach a winemaker how different climates, grapes and routines shape a vintage. Danie Junior brought that experience into the Steytler family estate as its next production generation.
Final Word
Kaapzicht remains a Steytler family estate with Danie Junior leading production.
Sources
- wine.co.za/page/page.aspx?PAGEID=2513
- kaapzicht.co.za/wine/the-steytler-range/pinotage
- kaapzicht.co.za/wine/family-range/chenin-blanc
- www.thewinesociety.com/product/kaapzicht-estate-chenin-blanc-stellenbosch-2023
- www.thewinesociety.com/product/kaapzicht-estate-rooiland-pinotage-bottelary-stellenbosch-2020