| |
The False Cape vineyard was established in 1999 by the Follett family of Langhorne Creek, who have had a long association with Kangaroo Island. The Follett’s began grape growing in Langhorne Creek in the 1880’s and more recently established the award winning Lake Breeze winery. Together with Jamie and Julie Helyar, (nee Follett), who manage the vineyard, they have embarked upon a journey to produce some of the best quality and value wines on the island.
False Cape is part of a treacherous piece of coastline on the rugged southern coast of Kangaroo Island. This feature, which is often mistaken for the nearby Cape Hart, is the nearest coastal landmark to our 30 acre Kangaroo Island vineyard.
The site selected for the vineyard is located on the Dudley Peninsula between Penneshaw and Cape Willoughby. It has two main soil types, with the north facing slope containing pure terra rossa soil over limestone and the river flat with fertile dark alluvial soils. Native vegetation has been retained and surrounds the vineyard, providing a natural habitat for the prolific wildlife of the area.
Initially Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were planted, followed by Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc. The cool, maritime conditions on Kangaroo Island, along with ancient soils allow for a slow even ripening. The wines produced here exhibit excellent varietal characters and intense colour, and with carefully cellaring will age well.
|
