Growing outstanding grapes, working with the best growers and applying minimal intervention to make exciting wines with a strong sense of place is the core philosophy of Neil Ellis Wines.
Founded in 1980, two distinct styles underpin their winemaking philosophy. Their single vineyard and single block vines are celebrated for their distinctive site and sense of place and include Whitehall Chardonnay from Elgin and Klein Gustrouw in the Jonkershoek Valley. These contribute to exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay as well as old vine Grenache from Piekenierskloof.
Similarly, their wines are sourced from wards and districts that represent the best of what that region or sub-region can offer. Vines vary greatly in their soil, climatic and topographical requirements. No single vineyard can satisfy the needs of all grape varieties. They select vineyards where individual varieties excel. Emphasis placed on caring viticultural practices by dedicated growers together with careful winemaking contribute to this pursuit of excellence in the art of winemaking.
Amica, derived from the Latin Amicus, can be described as a gathering of friends. It tells the story of friends sharing good food around a table. This is a barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc, influenced by wild fermentation and oaking in French oak. The result is a complex, textured expression of the variety.