Springfield Estate
Set in the heart of the mountain-ringed Robertson Valley in South Africa’s Western Cape, Springfield Estate is a vibrant, family-run wine farm. It is owned by the Bruwer family, fifth-generation wine farmers and ninth-generation descendants of the Bruères, French Huguenots who came to South Africa from the Loire in 1688 with bundles of vines under their arms.
Many of the wines at Springfield Estate are made using natural yeast, with Abrie Bruwer being one of the pioneers in the country using this technique. This allows the character and the individuality of the grape to truly show itself. Due to the wild yeast fermentation, the family strives to work as naturally as possible, both in the vineyard and the cellar, with minimal sprays used in the vineyard, and a hands-off approach in the cellar.
Springfield Thunderchild Merlot Cabernet 2021
34% Cabernet Franc | 33% Cabernet Sauvignon | 33% Merlot
This classical blend was created by using the ancient technique of fermenting uncrushed berries with native yeast from the grapes. After aging for one year in French barrels, it was bottled without fining or filtration. A further 12 months of bottle aging took place prior to release.
100% of the profits from this wine are donated to the Die Herberg charity which provides aid to children from broken homes.
Springfield Albariño 2022
Only the second Albariño to ever be made in South Africa's Cape. It's crafted sustainably with a 'hands off' approach and only in small quantities. But what little there is tastes fantastic. It's complex and rich, with flavours of apricot, nectarine and that vital saline minerality and bright acidity. Try this with white fish or oysters.
Springfield Methode Ancienne Chardonnay 2020
The Springfield Méthode Ancienne Chardonnay is special because it was made using ancient techniques rarely used in the New World: The fermentation takes place spontaneously with wild yeast in a combination of new and used French oak barrels. There is no fining or filtration. Thus, a wine of distinctive and classical character, it will develop slowly and is made to last a lifetime. Nuances of lime, cointreau and oranges – a big wine with classical character.
Springfield Methode Ancienne Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Thirty-five years ago, Springfeld cleared a 2.8-hectare triangle of land previously ignored because it was not ‘good’ enough - "too rocky and too steep".
Cabernet Sauvignon was planted, struggling at first with virtually no soil. The miracle was in the fruit: tiny berries – intense in colour and flavour, this meagre crop was vinified in the traditional way. No crushing of berries, native yeast only, no fining and no filters.
Wine was made with little intervention and kept for two years in new French barriques. After three more years of maturation in bottle, Springfield releases their top wine. It is a piece of their history, their passion and labour. It is their finest expression of Cabernet Sauvignon, and will age effortlessly for another two decades.