Paarl
Paarl (pearl) is named for an outcrop of three white granite domes that are known as Paarl Rock or Paarl Mountain. About 35 miles northeast of Cape Town, the town is the largest in the Cape Winelands, and is South Africa’s third oldest European settlement, after Cape Town and Stellenbosch. The district’s wards include Wellington, the newer Simonsberg-Paarl and Voor Paardeberg, and Franschhoek Valley until it became a district on its own in 2010. Well inland and removed from maritime influence, the climate is Continental, with long hot summers necessitating irrigation even in some of the higher rainfall areas. Many varietals are planted but it is primarily a red wine region. Full-bodied, powerful reds grown in clay-rich soils are warm and broad on the palate, with softer acidity. Shiraz shines here, and richly-textured Chardonnay is the featured white. Port-style wines are also produced. Growers in Wellington and Voor-Paardeberg have provided grapes for some very high-profile wines made by wineries located elsewhere. Now, wines bottled by these growers under their own names are attracting the spotlight to their prime, under-the-radar vineyards. Northeast of the town of Paarl, Wellington is the longest-established ward, dating from 1989.
Rainfall is lower than elsewhere in Paarl. Known for high quality olives and table grapes, it is gaining a reputation for bold red wines, especially Shiraz. High average temperatures and the fertile soil of the Berg river plains have supported bulk production, but areas away from the river with higher quality potential are enjoying increased vineyard planting and winery construction. Very importantly, most vine cuttings for grafting throughout the Cape come from about 30 grapevine nurseries in Wellington. Simonsberg Mountain defines two wards bearing its name, one in Stellenbosch and the more recently acknowledged one in Paarl. The north and east facing foothills of Simonsberg-Paarl, warmer than the South and West facing hills of Simonsberg-Stellenbosch, are prime terroir for red blends Northwest of Paarl is Voor Paardeberg (“in front of two mountains”), defined as a ward in 2003. Shiraz and old vine Chenin Blanc grow on rocky granite slopes cooled by southwesterly winds, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Merlot and Viognier also of note. |
(Paarl, South Africa) 