Le Riche – Stellenbosch

Jan 24, 2019 | Fine Wine

Etienne le Riche founded Le Riche Wines in 1996 and he created this winery where he could express the cultivar he had grown to love and respect, Cabernet Sauvignon. Nowadays the winery is run as a family concern, preferring not to be inhibited by estate classification, the family chose to select grapes from the best possible terroirs Stellenbosch has to offer. The resulting wines show great elegance and class, consistently proving to be of superb quality and maturation potential.

The grapes are selected from top growers in Stellenbosch. The vineyard blocks selection depends on the combination of soil, climate, clones and vine age. Vineyard blocks are vinified separately to determine their quality and style, ensuring that their unique character is understood and shown.

You will find Le Riche Wines nestled in the breathtaking Jonkershoek valley near to the Hottentots Holland mountain range and the historical town of Stellenbosch. The spectacular views of Table Mountain and the cozy atmosphere of Le Riche Wines make this a truly unique spot.

The wines from Le Riche are always one of the highlights of the yearly auction of the Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG)

Eleanor asks…

1-            What is technology bringing to your business/work?

Technology has brought our winery in more direct contact with our clients and exposed our brand to a greater audience both locally and internationally.

The exposure to greater information regarding winemaking and viticultural techniques has been hugely beneficial in our winemaking process. The additional information regarding international styles, trends and market demands also assists in streamlining the Le Riche business.

2-            Which is the local dining place you would personally suggest?

Jardine Restaurant located in Stellenbosch

3-            Do you have a nice anecdote you would like to share?

Our winery has large, four ton open top fermenters. During the harvest period we do manual punch-downs (pigeage) from early morning until late at night. We have all accidently fallen into one of these open tanks whilst punching down the grape skin cap — most notably the Le Riche matriarch in her evening gown before a late-night function!

4-            Would you recommend our service to importers worldwide?

Yes

5-            Do you have a message to buyers of your wine?

South African wines have increased tremendously in quality over the past few years and can be seen as hidden gems within the international wine market. Stellenbosch as a wine region has emerged into the limelight, especially for quality Cabernet Sauvignon, and the Le Riche Cabernets are at the forefront of this exposure. Now is your chance to taste one of the most highly-regarded local favourite SA Cabernets!