Franschhoek Wine Region Guide

Geography and terroir

The region’s terroir is more varied and complex than first-time visitors might perceive. Generally, it offers warmer growing conditions that are more suitable for robust red variates. However, different sites can vary significantly in average daytime temperatures. For example, the valley gets cooler as you move east and up to higher altitudes, with some excellent Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc of real class and finesse now produced. The soils are a mixture of sandstone and granite, with the former offering good drainage. However, vineyard altitude and aspect are arguably far more important than soil composition – the best sites are found on south-facing slopes, affording those all-important cooler growing conditions.

But even though some excellent whites are now being made in Franschhoek, the reds are world-class. Shiraz – or should that be Syrah? – is always reliably excellent, and the wines offer more cool-climate finesse than their Stellenbosch counterparts. Bordeaux blends are also remarkably successful here, a general indication of the trend to favor red over white varieties in the Western Cape. Cabernet Sauvignon grows with ease tantamount to promiscuity in Franschhoek, offering immense concentration, power, and depth of flavor only rivaled by the best examples in Stellenbosch. The fizz is also pretty excellent; try the wines of Graham Beck to see the mighty potential of Cap Classique.

Winemaking and regional classifications

Although Franschhoek lacks the more celebrated Stellenbosch zone’s glamour further west, some fascinating wines are made in this perhaps less fashionable part of South Africa. Indeed, some of the country’s best wine producers are here, including Boekenhoutskloof, Boshcendal, Chamonix, and Stony Brook. Approximately 1,400 hectares are under vine, situated in a clearly defined valley with the Wemmershoek Mountains to the north and Groot Drakenstein and Franschhoek Mountains to the south. The scenery is also punctuated by the Berg River, which runs north-west towards the region of Paarl.