Overgaauw Tria Corda 2019

The Van Velden family, owners of Overgaauw Wine Estate, have been farming their land for almost 120 years, and making own-label wine for fifty-three of those. The current owner and winemaker, David, is the fourth generation, continuing with the estate’s pursuit of quality wine-making.

Overgaauw is situated at altitudes of 100m-220m above sea level, in the undulating landscape of Stellenbosch Kloof. The hillsides boast Hutton and Clovelly soils – deep, well-drained and weathered granite. The lower sites feature loamy, gravel soils. 20ha of vineyards are planted east to west and face south and south-west – towards the Atlantic Ocean just 15km away. The ocean sends cool, afternoon breezes to curb extreme summer temperatures. In the near distance, the Helderberg Mountain shelters vines from the Cape’s fierce South Easter gale – enabling the leaves to continue their work undisturbed. These distinct factors combine to produce grapes with high natural acidity; ensuring wines of backbone, balance and longevity.

In 1979, a Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Cinsaut blend named Tria Corda was launched. Then in 1982, a more classic approach was taken by replacing the Cinsaut with Cabernet Franc. These three classic Bordeaux varietals have remained the components ever since. Tria Corda is a Latin translation for three hearts and refers to these three varietals that form the heart of the Overgaauw Wine Estate’s unique terroir.