The estate
The estate is situated right
next to the Breede River, at the base of Zandberg (“Sand Mountain”),
approximately 15 km from Robertson. This town is situated in the Western
Cape, South Africa, about 1˝ hour from Cape Town. The estate lies in the
area known as Le Chasseur, well known for its white wines, especially
Chardonnay. The estate comprises two adjacent farms, of which the larger is
just over 1200 ha.
About 85 % of the total area
of the estate is still in its natural condition and a variety of wild life
still exists there. The more common species are antelope, steenbok,
pheasants and guinea fowls. There are predators like the African lynx and
even cheetahs in the mountainous areas.
Terroir, microclimate and
mineral water
Cracks in the sandstone of
Zandberg filtrate rainwater, letting life-giving water bubble out of the
fountains at its base. It also has a cooling effect in summer, because it
forces the prevailing south-eastern wind’s air upwards, cooling it down. The
source of mineral water at the estate is known as Laughing Waters.
Le Grand Chasseur estate has a
Mediterranean climate. The winters are cold and wet and summer are hot and
dry. Plenty of sunshine enables the production of highly fragrant wines
because the grapes easily ripen. Due to this healthy climate, the use of
pesticides and herbicides can be kept to the minimum.
The soil of the estate
consists of deep, red limey Karoo-soil, alternated with cooler stone
terraces. This variation in the soil enables the production of different
styles of wine.
Zandberg is a major physical
feature in the area. According to geologists, the mountain formation was
originally a part of the Breede River and round river rocks are still found
on top of this sandy mountain. This formation lends unique slopes and
terroir to Le Grand Chasseur Estate.
The Cellar
The cellar where all our wines
are made is situated on the smaller farm. About 3 800 tons of grapes are
processed during each harvest. The cellar is well equipped with enough
capacity to make high quality wines. A bottle cellar is currently being
built to store bottled wines.
