Gary and Kathy Jordan's wine farm in Stellenbosch has a history dating back over three hundred years. Gary's parents Ted and Sheelagh bought the property in the heart of the Cape winelands in 1982, and launched into an extensive re-planting programme of classic grape varieties specifically suited to the varying soils and aspects. Gary is a geologist, and Kathy an economist and both studied at UC Davis and worked internationally before returning home to South Africa and building a cellar in 1992. The following year the first wines were produced under the Jordan label and they have never looked back since. The vineyards face north, south, east and west, planted at altitudes between 160 and 410 metres above sea level. The Mediterranean climate has a maritime influence because of the proximity to both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, and benefits the vineyards with coastal fog and sea breezes. The soils vary having evolved from 600 million year old Cape granite, from deep clay-loam to gravelly and sandy duplex soils on clay. In total 100.38 hectares are under vine with the white Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Riesling, and unusually the Greek Assyrtiko. The reds comprise Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. This diversity of grape varieties, soils and aspects allows for a comprehensive portfolio of stunning white, rosé and red wines. Jordan are one of South Africa's leading estates. Their style of award-winning wines combines the fruity accessibility of the New World, with the classic elegance of the Old World.
www.jordanwines.com/