Kleine Zalze is situated in the heart of the Cape Winelands. Winemaking has taken place there on a small scale since 1695 but it was in 1996, when Kobus Basson and his family purchased the property, that the modern Kleine Zalze was born. In 1996 the estate’s soils were scientifically mapped, evaluated and replanted according to their specific terroir characteristics and potential. Continuous investment over more than 20 years has seen the winery evolve into one of the most awarded in Stellenbosch.

The intensity of the ‘New World’ full fruit flavours, combines with the elegance and structure of the ‘Old World’, yielding wines of character, complexity, and balance, reflecting the terroir and climate. The refined approach to viticulture and winemaking, together with the attention to detail and the personal touch that goes with being a family-owned estate, contribute to the ongoing success of Kleine Zalze’s wines providing a unique Cape Winelands experience.

Stellenbosch is South Africa’s most prestigious wine region, located about 50 km east of Cape Town and bordered by dramatic mountain ranges. The climate is Mediterranean, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Cooling sea breezes from False Bay and the Atlantic help to moderate temperatures, particularly in coastal and elevated vineyards, preserving acidity and extending the growing season. However, increasingly frequent droughts and heatwaves pose challenges, making careful water management essential.

Soils in Stellenbosch are varied and include decomposed granite, sandstone and shale, often with good drainage and abundant mineral content. These diverse soils, combined with distinct topographies, create a mosaic of terroirs across the region. Key sub-areas include Simonsberg-Stellenbosch, Helderberg, Bottelary and Jonkershoek Valley, each offering different exposures and microclimates.

The region is renowned for its red wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, which thrives on the well-drained slopes and produces structured, ageworthy wines with aromas of blackcurrant, plum and cedar. Merlot, Syrah and Bordeaux blends are also widely planted. On the white side, Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc are the most important varieties, yielding fresh, aromatic styles with notes of citrus, tropical fruit and gooseberry. Some producers also craft complex barrel-aged Chardonnay.

Stellenbosch wines typically show ripe fruit intensity balanced by freshness and a subtle mineral or herbal edge, reflecting the region’s maritime influence and complex geology.

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world’s most widely planted and celebrated red grape varieties, known for its deep colour, firm tannins, and remarkable ageing potential. Originating in Bordeaux, France, as a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, it has become a global benchmark for structured, full-bodied red wines.

Viticulturally, Cabernet Sauvignon is a hardy, late-ripening grape that thrives in warm, sunny climates. It produces small, thick-skinned berries, contributing to its bold tannic structure and deep colour. The vine is relatively resistant to disease and adapts well to diverse soils, making it suitable for a wide range of terroirs.

Today, Cabernet Sauvignon is planted extensively across the world—from its French homeland in Bordeaux’s Left Bank, to California’s Napa Valley, Chile’s Maipo Valley, Australia’s Coonawarra, and South Africa’s Stellenbosch. It often forms the backbone of blends, particularly in Bordeaux-style wines, but also shines as a varietal expression.

Flavour profiles typically include blackcurrant (cassis), blackberry, mint, cedar, and tobacco, often developing notes of leather, earth, and spice with age. Styles range from fruit-forward and plush in warmer climates to structured and herbal in cooler ones. Cabernet Sauvignon’s power, elegance, and longevity make it a cornerstone of fine red winemaking worldwide.