Aromas of ripe pineapple and guava jump out of the glass. This is followed by a rich and ripe palate, beautifully balanced by lemon-lime freshness on the back palate. Flinty mineral notes that linger on the finish.

Kleine Zalze is a family owned winery situated in the heart of the Cape Winelands. Winemaking has taken place there on a small scale since 1695 but it was in 1996, when Kobus Basson and his family purchased the property, that the modern Kleine Zalze was born. In 1996 the estate’s soils were scientifically mapped, evaluated and replanted according to their specific terroir characteristics and potential. Continuous investment over more than 20 years has seen the winery evolve into one of the most awarded in Stellenbosch.

The team aims for minimal intervention in the winery and a focus on creating wines with absolute varietal flavour and typicity. The winemaking philosophy is underpinned by a three-pronged strategy of nurturing and developing all the components involved in the process: the vineyards, the winery and the people. The vineyards are where all great wines are made and no stone is left unturned to produce the best quality grapes. The winery is responsible throughout the winemaking process for safeguarding the highest quality levels to produce great wines. 

Vineyards are located on a variety of slopes and aspects and benefit from a broad range of soils, from light and sandy to decomposed granite. The regional climate is Mediterranean with hot dry summers and cool wet winters. The vineyards that carry the fruit for the Kleine Zalze range of wines are exposed to fresh ocean breezes from the coast, which lies just 9 miles away. These breezes have a moderating effect on the hot summers. The resulting slightly cooler climate yields delicate flavours whilst at the same time provides optimal growing and ripening conditions for the fruit.