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Story of Alluvia Wines - Stellenbosch Wine Farm

After extensive research utilising state-of-the-art satellite technology, Delarey Brugman discovered a small piece of land in the Banhoek Valley, formerly know as Glen Arum which showed a promise of unique and superlative soil types.

Physical soil sampling proved that the soil deposits at Glen Arum are quite unique due to a fertile alluvial deposit on the amphitheatre-shaped estate. This tiny fertile deposit, combined with the major underlying soil structure of granite in the mountains and Table Mountain Sandstone, culminated in soils of exceptional quality.  In recognition of this natural process, the name of the estate was changed to Alluvia Specialist Winery as this phenomenon shared some parallels with the crafting of great red wines – allowing nature to take its course and patience.

Careful consideration was put into the decision to specialize in one single variety. Meticulous planning, complimented by the character of the terrior, led Brugman to belief that they could produce The King of the Nobles – Cabernet Sauvignon – of world-class standards.  Alluvia’s objective is to create a brand of integrity which would be regarded in the world as something exclusive yet special. They are committed to remain focused on one varietal in small quantities.

Once it was confirmed that the Cabernet Sauvignon was the most suited variety for the terroir, the winemaking team set out to explore the secrets to making superb Cabernet Sauvignon.  Focusing on the berry/fruity flavours, structure and body, the team searched for clones that would most emphatically showcase this particular component. Eventually, a clone from France, one from Germany and one from South Africa was selected.

Let's get technical

A stringent quality regime necessitated a planting density of 2.25m x 1.5m. The remainder of the Estate, which saw 50% of the soils available for plantings smartly plant to Cabernet Sauvignon. These planting distances were 2.5m x 1.5m. This posed a serious conflict in practical farming. The equipment on the farm was workable between the 2.5m rows, but planting to the new ideal distance to the other half of the farm which was now redeveloped to 2.25m would extrapolate into a whole new equipment format for expediting our agricultural maintenance… With 0,25m difference in planting we were challenged with 2 questions: Do we plant to 2.5m and slightly yield our absolute quality density ratio and save money on the acquisition of an entire new farming equipment infrastructure or do we make that sacrifice for higher quality? It’s after all, only a matter of inches!

The newly planted vineyard was planted at the 2.25m spacing for the optimum quality objective. We had to acquire a complete new farming equipment infrastructure which few people would ever realise. All this for that extra little push in quality. Expect to witness both tractors and quad motor bikes working on the farm! These newly planted vineyards would be in quality production in 2008.

One of our countries most respected viticulturists –Rudolf Jansen Van Vuuren is on our team with wine manager, Andrew Harris, and wine maker, Neil Moorehouse. Our vineyard is meticulously cared for by skilled workers at the ratio of 1 person per hectare… Not the industry standard!

The first wine made from the current vineyards on the estate was proudly named ilka – after the Brugmans’ twin daughters Ilse and Karla.

Recently, the estate has also produced a small amount of Sauvignon Blanc, simply because of the fun and enjoyment gained from this variety.

ilka is the one of the only wines in South Africa, which cannot be acquired in wine shops. It is only obtainable from the estate and deliveries are done all over the world. In 2006, Alluvia released its first vintage, the 2004 ilka Cabernet Sauvignon and 2005 ilka Sauvignon Blanc. They have both been sold out to the top restaurants in the world (including some Michelin rated) and some in South Africa. We always ensure an allocation for our guests staying with us.

Since this maiden release Alluvia has gained major international recognition for our later vintages, the ilka Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 having scored 87-92 points at Decanter World Wine Awards (officially the largest wine competition in the world), 89 Points at International Wine and Spirits Competition in London, Gold Medal at Michelangelo International Wine Awards and a Diamond Award at Winemakers choice. This is additional to having our ilka Sauvignon Blanc chosen by Neil Pendock as his favourite wine in the world in WINE Magazine and our Vineyard Lisa Cabernet Franc being rated, along with two others, as the top Cabernet Franc in South Africa. All this recognition, for 3 wines in 3 years is outstanding.

Alluvia also runs the “Give me a Chance” Children’s Foundation which helps to support promising, disadvantaged children in the community to reach their dreams and potential. (Please visit the website www.givemeachance.co.za) In support of this amazing organization we make a super premium range of “Give me a Chance” wines to compliment our ultra premium ilka wines. All of the profits from the sale of these wines go directly to the “Give me a Chance” Children’s Foundation. These wines are made in a very approachable style and are great every day, house wines.

Each private wine client is eligible to acquire newly released vintages, but is limited annually to 24 bottles per person per variety of the family wines. Private clients include world-famous sport stars, royalty and presidents. As there is currently a waiting list for new vintages, Brugman is formulating the exclusive Alluvia Club 300 to service the wines exclusive clients. Wine Business Manager, Nadia Human, can inform you about our countries most exclusive wine club.

Our wines are introduced to visitors during a private wine tasting at our recently opened wine tasting facility. Here you will find our staff keen on sharing more intimate details on our wines. Plan for a leisurely time as you are swept off your feet into our world on wine!