Boekenhoutskloof

Established back in 1776 today this venerable estate is run by Marc Kent. Boekenhout is the local name for the indigenous Cape Beech tree, whose timber has been long prized by furniture makers, hence the chairs on the labels; and Kloof means a wooded ravine or valley. The estate's winery is found in the picturesque Franschhoek Valley but Marc was an early advocate for the Swartland region to the north east, so now champions both regions. Nature conservation is of great importance here with a process of removing non-native flora to the advantage endemic species. Winemaking here is largely traditional, using natural yeast but also adopting modern trends including using tulip-shaped concrete vats and amphora, before ageing in a mix of larger oak barrels to ensure the fruit is allowed to shine for some, and barriques for others, tailoring the regime to each wine.