Ward
Franschhoek Valley lies within the Coastal Region of the Western Cape, South Africa, about 75 kilometres east of Cape Town. The valley forms a natural amphitheatre enclosed by the Groot Drakenstein, Franschhoek and Wemmershoek mountains, whose streams feed the Berg River. Long attached to Paarl as a ward, it has been a stand-alone district within South Africa's Wine of Origin system since 2010. The vineyard area covers about 1,254 hectares. Soils vary with altitude: sandy, clay-bearing alluvium on the valley floor, decomposed granite on the slopes, and pockets of Table Mountain sandstone and shale on the higher ground. The surrounding mountains trap morning coolness and moderate warm, dry Mediterranean summers, while winters are cool and wet. Sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, semillon, chenin blanc and viognier lead among the white varieties; cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, merlot, pinot noir, pinotage and cabernet franc among the reds.
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Franschhoek Valley produces a wide range of still and sparkling wines. Whites are led by old-vine semillon, textured and waxy, marked by citrus and stone fruit, sometimes blended with sauvignon blanc for added tension; chardonnay, grown on the cooler sites, shows white fruit and citrus over firm acidity. Reds rest on cabernet sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends, with aromas of blackcurrant, graphite, cedar and tobacco carried by firm tannins; cabernet franc, well represented in the valley, adds red fruit and pencil-shaving notes, while shiraz brings plum, blackberry and black pepper. Cap Classique, made using the traditional method, completes the range with fine bubbles. These wines pair with seafood and fish as readily as with roasted red meats, game and matured cheeses.
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