At Avondale we’re getting back to nature – but we are using 21st century science, technology and research in the process. It started a few years ago when we made a simple choice: because wine is a natural (and delicious) product, producing it shouldn’t harm the environment in any way.
History
At Avondale, we make extraordinary wines approved by Mother Nature.
Our ethos, Terra Est Vita meaning ‘Soil is Life’ encapsulates our view of Avondale Estate as a dynamic living system where soil, water and energy; plants, animals and people; even our buildings, are part of a complex web of relationships and networks. We uphold the key principle of Life – to constantly create conditions conducive to more Life.
Certified organic and practicing bio-dynamic agriculture; we go beyond both these beneficial systems of natural farming by using the best 21st Century science, technology and knowledge to enhance sustainability.
Our commitment to promoting life does not only lead to Mother Nature’s approval; it also ensures the premium quality of Avondale’s unique, naturally-made, slow wines. The vigour of our well-tended vines leads to excellent grapes bursting with fresh flavours that are evident in our individually-styled, classic wines, so full of life and character.
Estate Overview
- The wine estate is found on the slopes of the Klein Drakenstein mountains to the south of the town of Paarl
- Avondale was one of the first Cape wine producers to obtain Bio-diversity certification
- They actively strive to re-establish indigenous Fynbos species among the vineyards and use only indigenous vegetation as wind breakers, and cover crops
- This restores the natural balance of the soil so that vines can be fed and balanced by lively, healthy and naturally regenerating soils
- 70 hectares of the 300 hectare site are under vines
- There are 13 different soil types originating from decomposed sandstone and granite
- A variety of slopes can be found at Avondale to create different meso-climates
- Vineyards are planted in one hectare size blocks to ensure separate vinification and ageing
- Rhone and Bordeaux grape varieties make up the majority of the plantings
- Avondale has a state-of-the-art, 500-ton Gravity Flow Cellar, ensuring that all the grapes are treated with minimal mechanical interference during harvest
Avondale Wines
Soulful minerality and fresh fruits harmonise superbly in Anima, a pure 100% Chenin Blanc that has been naturally fermented in wood to give it a unique, spirited character and extraordinary finesse.
Handcrafted using 100% healthy, organically-grown Chardonnay grapes, and graciously given seven years on the lees, Armilla has had the time to develop an exceptional character and outstanding elegance.
A gorgeous, fresh Blanc de Noir made of organically grown Grenache, Mourvedre and Muscat de Frontignan grapes, Camissa may appear sweet but it finishes completely dry.
An invigorating White Blend of Roussanne, Viognier, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Semillon grapes, the softly wooded Cyclus swirls with intense fruits flavours rounded off with smooth, creamy oak.
A classic Bordeaux Blend with a velvety suppleness, La Luna was made of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot grapes, and lightly filtered after ageing in oak.
An exclusive, limited release, elegantly-wooded wine, Navitas is a slow-made, traditional Rhone Blend of organically grown Syrah, Mourvedre and Grenache grapes that is presented in a beautiful Gift Box.
A wine deep in character, full and round, Samsara was made of Syrah grapes and lightly filtered after ageing slowly in barrels for 12 to 16 months.
Avondale is the first in South Africa to utilise Qvevri in our winemaking. These ancient clay vessels from the country Georgia dating back over 8000 years allows the wine to breathe as it ferments and as it ages in the clay brings a beautiful brightness of fruit and minerality to the wine.
Lots of Blackcurrant, liquorice, with a hint of dark chocolate and ground coffee. The wine has an explosion of fruit on the palate and well integrated, elegant tannins to support it. The layers of fruit and silky finish will leave you wanting more, whilst a lingering after taste makes for a rather attractive finish.
Pure fruit of lime, grapefruit, pineapple, quince, with just a dash of honey on the nose. The palate is dense with ripe flavours and juicy with tangy peach and brie flavours, delivered with good intensity and freshness. These mouth-watering flavours linger on the palate.
