Rooderust farm was purchased in 1998 and today forms the most stable, dependable member in the portfolio. With approximately 120 ha under vine on even land in the Darling area, it is just 13km from the Atlantic Ocean, benefiting from its cooling breeze and practically perfect for cultivating grapes in the hot African sun.
Climate
Set 13km from the Atlantic Ocean…
Set 13km from the Atlantic Ocean the farm is situated in a low rainfall area, with an annual average of 400 to 500mm of rain, experiencing cooler days in the ripening months of January and February due to the sea breezes on hot summer afternoons. The entire 120 hectares is clear of leaf roll virus (red and white vines) and grapes can happily obtain full ripeness every season.
Soils
The predominantly granite soils…
The predominantly granite soils containing a percentage of clay consistently produces wines with good weight and structure. Hence the plethora of cultivars planted here. Besides the grapes, Rooderust also specialises in wheat and livestock.
The Wines
An eclectic array of cultivars are grown here…
An eclectic array of cultivars are grown here. Sangiovese is successfully produced due to the lower summer rains which tend to control the natural vigour of this Italian cultivar. While Bordeaux cultivars are also successfully produced with irrigation scheduled strictly according to cultivar, growth stage and a close eye on weather forecasts. Ugni Blanc was specifically planted for our Armagnac style, Sagnac.
The Vineyards
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Cabernet Franc
- Merlot
- Mourvedre
- Syrah
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Grigio
- Sangiovese
- Ugni Blanc
- Roobernet
|
Ha |
18.28 |
|
Number of Blocks |
4 |
|
Years Planted |
1987-2005 |
|
Clones |
160,20,15 |
|
Rootstock |
R110/R99 |
|
Altitude |
134-179m |
|
Trellising |
VSP |
|
Irrigation |
Drip |
|
Ha |
18.39 |
|
Number of Blocks |
2 |
|
Years Planted |
2002-2019 |
|
Clones |
1,214,623 |
|
Rootstock |
R99, R110 |
|
Altitude |
158-160m |
|
Trellising |
VSP |
|
Irrigation |
Drip |
|
Ha |
28.1 |
|
Number of Blocks |
7 |
|
Years Planted |
1985-2005 |
|
Clones |
MO192, MO348, MO314,MO12 |
|
Rootstock |
R110, R99, Ruggeri140 |
|
Altitude |
138-211m |
|
Trellising |
VSP |
|
Irrigation |
Drip |
|
Ha |
1.89 |
|
Number of Blocks |
1 |
|
Years Planted |
2001 |
|
Clones |
MT11A |
|
Rootstock |
R99 |
|
Altitude |
161m |
|
Trellising |
VSP |
|
Irrigation |
Drip |
|
Ha |
13.13 |
|
Number of Blocks |
3 |
|
Years Planted |
2000-2002 |
|
Clones |
1 |
|
Rootstock |
R99, R110 |
|
Altitude |
151-170m |
|
Trellising |
VSP |
|
Irrigation |
Drip |
|
Ha |
8.68 |
|
Number of Blocks |
2 |
|
Years Planted |
1996-2001 |
|
Clones |
CY76 |
|
Rootstock |
R99 |
|
Altitude |
148-152M |
|
Trellising |
VSP, Bushvine |
|
Irrigation |
Drip |
|
Ha |
5.3 |
|
Number of Blocks |
2 |
|
Years Planted |
2009-2010 |
|
Clones |
PGR52A |
|
Rootstock |
R110 |
|
Altitude |
146m |
|
Trellising |
VSP |
|
Irrigation |
Drip |
|
Ha |
8.91 |
|
Number of Blocks |
2 |
|
Years Planted |
1999-2000 |
|
Clones |
unknown |
|
Rootstock |
R99, R100 |
|
Altitude |
147-162m |
|
Trellising |
VSP |
|
Irrigation |
Drip |
|
Ha |
1 |
|
Number of Blocks |
1 |
|
Years Planted |
2009 |
|
Clones |
SE384 |
|
Rootstock |
R110 |
|
Altitude |
146m |
|
Trellising |
VSP |
|
Irrigation |
Drip |
|
Ha |
1 |
|
Number of Blocks |
1 |
|
Years Planted |
2016 |
|
Clones |
1, 2 |
|
Rootstock |
R110 |
|
Altitude |
151-154m |
|
Trellising |
VSP |
|
Irrigation |
Drip |