Meinert Wines

Meinert Wines is a small (5000 cases) producer of premium red wines from Devon Valley, Stellenbosch. It was established in 1997 and is a private venture of the former Vergelegen winemaker Martin Meinert. The focus is on two blends, called Synchronicity and Devon Crest, made possible by the exceptional potential of the Devon Valley. Both blends are founded on Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is also bottled.

Meinert Wines is based on the property Devon Crest Vineyards, established in 1987 with the purchase of 11,5ha in Devon Valley, Stellenbosch. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage vines, planted in 1975, were gradually uprooted and replaced with new plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinotage. In 1997 an adjoining parcel of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, planted in 1989, was added to the property, which now covers a total of 16ha. Approximately 3,9ha lie fallow at present. Planting will continue in 2003 to reintroduce Cabernet franc which was uprooted in 2001 and to add Petit Verdot. Parcels of Malbec, Mourvedre and Viognier are being planned.

The property lies on the slopes of Devon Valley's northern ridge and rises from 200m to 310m above sea level. The whole site has a southerly aspect and grand views of False Bay, which is approximately 30km away, and the mountains surrounding Stellenbosch. While owner/winemaker Martin Meinert is loathe to claim the cooling influence of sea breezes (an overworked invocation) it is indisputable that the higher vineyards ripen later.

The soils are decomposed sandstone and have a red-brown or terra cotta colour. They contain clay (about 30%) which is well dispersed throughout the profile and aids with water retention. Near the top of the property there are stones, remnants of the mother material, in the profile (such soils are called Glenrosa) while further down these are absent Clovelly or Hutton).