Papkuilsfontein

General information

The focus in on producing good quality wines that are organically made with Fairtrade principles

Earthbound wines are produced from the grapes grown at Papkuilsfontein Vineyards in Darling. Situated just 25km from the sea, this area has a high potential for wine production because the vines benefit from cooling sea breezes while a range of hillocks protect it from the potentially damaging effects of the South-Easter. The temperature of this area falls within the cooler end of the heat spectrum of the grape-growing areas in the Western Cape and rainfall is above average for the West Coast.

Papkuilsfontein Vineyards near Darling was established in 1998 and is a joint venture between Distell, entrepreneurs and the local Mamre community trust. The project promotes transformation in the SA wine industry, by underpinning the transfer of skills in wine farming, farm management, winemaking and wine marketing, in order to ensure its long-term sustainability.

Fairtrade – for every ton of grapes harvested for this wine, a premium of €0,50 is paid to the workers and a joint body, representing the workers decides on how premiums will be spent – community halls, computer facilities, provision of study loans, etc.

Organic information – Earthbound organic wines are produced using organically grown grapes, and no pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, chemical fertilizers or synthetic chemicals of any kind are allowed on the vines or in the soil. In line with organic requirements, total sulphur levels are kept below 100 pmm (compared with 160 ppm for regular wines).

OUR FAIRTRADE AND ORGANIC WINES

CABERNET SAUVIGNON (ORGANIC)
Dark red colour. Blackberry flavours on the nose with high fruit intensity. Juicy with great complexity and teeming with plum and blackcurrant flavours. Two dry farmed blocks planted in 2000.

PINOTAGE (ORGANIC)
Dark red in colour with purple tinges. Sweet plum and caramel with vanilla sweet spice on the nose. Juicy with concentrated red fruits and traces of smoke. Excellent integration of fruit and subtle oaking provides a lingering aftertaste. Two dry farmed blocks planted in 1998 and 1999.

SAUVIGNON BLANC (ORGANIC)
Clear with a slight green tint. Hints of grass and asparagus. Crisp finish with tropical fruit and good balance. Two dry farmed blocks planted in 1999 and 2000.

CHENIN BLANC (ORGANIC)
Lime green colour. Tropical fruit and winter melon. Subtle ripe fruit, dried pear and apricot flavours are prominent on the palate that lingers with a delicate aftertaste. Bush vines planted in 1994.

OUR FAIRTRADE PINOT NOIR WINE

PINOT NOIR
Dark red colour. Notes of blackcurrant and lavender on the nose. Followed by brimming intense red fruit flavours. Approachable and soft tannins. Dry farmed blocks planted in 2002.

The full Earthbound range can be foraged from TOPS @ SPAR, Liquor City, CyberCellar.com and Darling Wine Shop, and Makro, Wellness Warehouse Cavendish and Kloof street, Pick n Pay and wine.co.za for between R45.00 (white) and R54.00 (red) RSP. Also available at Col Cacchio’s Restaurants.