Stellenbosch 2017 Vintage Report
Ideally sequenced and largely stress-free, 2017 goes down as a textbook vintage for Stellenbosch.
The cycle began with a harmonious flowering period. Warm days (avg 21°C) allowed for an even fruit set, establishing the potential for a generous crop.
The growing season was solar and generous. Accumulating 2389 Growing Degree Days (GDD), the summer provided consistent warmth that drove steady sugar accumulation. A key factor was the dramatic diurnal shift (12.6°C), ensuring that despite the daytime warmth, acidities remained razor-sharp.
The season concluded with a pristine harvest window. With negligible rain (16mm), pickers could wait for perfect phenolic maturity, harvesting each block at its absolute zenith.
**Style:** Rich, opulent, and structured wines built for the long haul.
About Stellenbosch
The historic heart of South African wine, Stellenbosch is a mountainous region with diverse soils. It excels in Bordeaux blends and Pinotage, offering a style that bridges the Old and New Worlds.
Climatic Blueprint
Growing Degree Days (GDD)
Total Rainfall
Sunshine Hours
Diurnal Shift
Frost Days
Average Temperature
Historical Context (10 Years)
Comparison of growing season heat accumulation vs regional average.
Want to explore vineyards in Stellenbosch?
Discover the estates shaping the legacy of this region.
