The Banghoek Valley has so many hidden treasures. As you drive down Helshoogte en-route to Franschhoek there are a few unobtrusive roads that strike out to the right. Most visitors will usually just speed past, captivated by the views of the breathtaking Banhoek valley.
But, should you slip down the first and you find yourself passing a protea farms down a winding road and all while slowly descending into a time past. This road evokes memories of the old world, quaint buildings and narrow paths with ancient trees and rivers. Enter the heart of the Banghoek. Around you the amphitheatre sets the stage for what is to come. Very dramatic, exquisitely beautiful and captivating.
As you head to the tasting room the terroir unfolds its secrets. The vineyards planted here are some of the highest planted sites in the Stellenbosch region. This allows the blocks to access cool air in the hot summer. It allows for longer hanging times. This leads to great development of complex flavours. There is a definite “taste” that accompanies the valley. Dark, rich, full bodied, intense, lingering with great acidity. A beautifully rich expression of both red and white varietals.
Established in 1978 Rainbows End is renowned for its ability to produce remarkable wines. Winemaker Anton Malan treasures the unique terroir, eschewing conventional wine styles. "We treat each vintage year differently. We adapt winemaking techniques each year to get the best result. We do this based on what the season and specific vineyard block offer." This approach allows for the creation of a unique wine style each year, showcasing the best the season has to offer.
Anton's meticulous winemaking process involves lightly pressing the skins in a small basket press after fermentation, followed by malolactic fermentation in barrels. The wine is then racked and aged in French oak barrels for at least 12 months. The estate's unique terroir, characterised by deep red, oakleaf soils and varying topography at altitudes between 350m and 540m, favours the production of top-quality red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Shiraz, and Petit Verdot.
The distinctiveness of Rainbows End's wines is reflected in their regular achievement of scores upwards of 91 points.
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