Climate and soil
Rust en Vrede is a warmer microcosm in the Helderberg area with a Mediterranean climate. This is why we specialize in Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah which lend themselves to full-bodied wines with powerful structure. Approximately 34% of the Estate is planted with Syrah. Five clones of this variety are grown here: SH1, SH21, SH9, SH99 and SH470. Our north-facing vineyards are planted in Tukulu soil, derived from Helderberg granite and Table Mountain sandstone with small deposits of ironstone, showing good water
retention that is carefully monitored and supplemented by drip irrigation. A higher amount of sandstone allows good drainage, resulting in weaker growth and more intense wines.
Vintage
Cool, wet conditions during the winter of 2020 replenished water reserves and provided sufficient water to saturate soils and return water levels to pre-drought levels. This resulted in very vigorous growth in the vineyards, meaning careful vineyard management was required, especially to curb vigorous growth during spring. Flowering and fruit set conditions were ideal, with an average crop set, followed by a moderate growing season. We then experienced a cool ripening season in 2021, with late ripening and minimal precipitation during the harvest period. Ideal conditions that allowed grapes to ripen slowly, retaining good acidity while developing phenolics.