Heritage vineyards around the world are marking Old Vine Day today – a celebration of vines that are several decades old.
Terre Paisible is a member of the Old Vines Project to protect South Africa’s most precious vineyards, with the estate being home to one of only a few registered Old Vine Sauvignon Blanc vineyards. The vines were planted in 1987 – hence the name “Les Dames de 87” – meaning “The Ladies of 87”.
Old Vines in SA need to be at least 35 years old to qualify and be registered.
The 1987 Sauvignon Blanc vines on the Terre Paisible estate seem to have struck a Goldilocks balance, their deep roots tapping into a constant water source under the alluvial soils, allowing them to create wines that are more about delicacy, balance and nuance than outright showiness and power.
Whilst producing a host of exquisite award-winning wines, it’s the Sauvignon Blanc Les Dames that the cellar team – and wine critics – are most excited about.
One of the few certified old vine Sauvignon Blanc vineyards in the Cape, the Les Dames is a serious, distinctive example of the variety.
“I love that the wine is held together by things other than pungent aromatics and bracing acidity,” says winemaker Adam Mason. “It’s nuanced.”
Top wine critic Greg Sherwood proclaimed it a “grown up, top shelf Sauvignon Blanc like only a masterful winemaker like Adam Mason can deliver…simply one of the most impressive and sophisticated Sauvignon Blancs I have tasted from South Africa in a very long time.”
Terre Paisible, translated from French, means Peaceful Land.
With awe-inspiring views of the Simonsberg mountains, the team captures and enhances that which is already exceptional – crafting luxury wines and pressing delicious Extra Virgin Olive Oils from the estate olive groves.
Terre Paisible is also soon to be the home of one of the most luxurious medical aesthetic spas in the world.
