Springfield Estate in the Robertson Valley
Springfield Estate is located in the Robertson Valley in the Western Cape and is run by the Bruwer family. The family has farmed the property since 1898 and descends from French Huguenots who arrived in South Africa as early as 1688. Today Springfield stands for a highly individual approach to wine production with as little intervention as possible in the wines' natural development. Appropriately, the estate's motto is “Made on Honour”.
The vineyards are characterised by unusually varied soil formations. Some parcels consist of around 70 percent quartz rock, while others are strongly influenced by limestone. Sandy loam soils are also found near the Breede River. Springfield uses these differences deliberately, planting grape varieties where soil, aspect and microclimate best suit the desired wine style. Many vine rows have also been realigned to encourage more even ripening and better protection from intense sunlight.
Springfield is particularly well known for Sauvignon Blanc. Life From Stone comes from extremely stony soils with a very high quartz content and shows a linear, mineral-driven style. Special Cuvée Sauvignon Blanc, by contrast, grows on sandier alluvial soils close to the river. Both wines come from Robertson but differ clearly because of their respective sites.
Chardonnay also plays an important role. Wild Yeast Chardonnay is fermented without oak in underground cement tanks, using only the natural yeasts present on the grapes. The slow fermentation can take several months, after which the wine remains on the lees for an extended period. Alongside this style, Springfield also produces Méthode Ancienne Chardonnay, a distinctly more complex and longer-aged interpretation.
Among the red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon and classic blends are among the estate's defining wines. Whole Berry Cabernet Sauvignon is made from whole, uncrushed berries, fermented with natural yeasts and then matured in French oak. Work of Time combines Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. After extended barrel and bottle ageing, the blend is released considerably later, reflecting Springfield's deliberately patient approach.
The range also includes Albariño, Pinot Noir, Riesling and unusual blends such as Miss Lucy. The current Miss Lucy combines Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Sémillon and Sauvignon Gris, while Albariño demonstrates the family's international outlook. At the same time, the emphasis remains firmly on wines that express their individual sites within the Robertson Valley as clearly as possible.
Springfield Estate therefore combines a long family history with a consistently individual approach to winemaking. Quartz, limestone, natural yeasts and sometimes very long ageing periods shape wines that differ markedly in style. At Vin Africa you will find in Springfield a characterful producer from Robertson whose Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are particularly closely linked to the estate's soils.