Crystallum
Summary
Crystallum is a boutique, family-run winery established in 2007 by the Finlayson brothers, producing exclusively Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from cool-climate, Atlantic-influenced vineyards across the Western Cape's clay and shale soils. Their minimalist, terroir-driven approach features indigenous fermentation and restrained oak usage, with their recent dedicated winery completion in Hemel-en-Aarde Valley marking their evolution from small-scale project to influential force in South African fine wine.
Heritage & Leadership
Crystallum was established in 2007 by brothers Peter-Allan and Andrew Finlayson in the Western Cape of South Africa. The Finlayson brothers bring a rich winemaking heritage to their project, as sons of Peter Finlayson, a pioneer of Pinot Noir cultivation in South Africa and founder of Bouchard Finlayson. Peter-Allan serves as the primary winemaker, while Andrew contributes to vineyard management and business operations. The winery began with just three barrels of Pinot Noir, focusing exclusively on Burgundian varieties—Pinot Noir and Chardonnay—which have become their signature. Operating initially from a small cellar in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Crystallum has grown methodically while maintaining its boutique production approach. In 2023, they completed construction of their own dedicated winery facility in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, marking a significant milestone in their development.
Vineyards & Wines
Crystallum sources fruit from carefully selected vineyards across the cooler coastal regions of the Western Cape. Their portfolio includes vineyards in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Overberg, and select sites in the broader Walker Bay region. Rather than owning extensive vineyard holdings, they maintain long-term partnerships with growers who share their quality-focused philosophy. Their flagship Pinot Noirs include single-vineyard expressions such as "Cuvée Cinéma" from the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, "Mabalel" from Elandskloof, and "Bona Fide" from the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. For Chardonnay, they produce "The Agnes" (a multi-vineyard blend) and the single-vineyard "Clay Shales" from the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. These vineyards feature predominantly clay and shale soils, with elevations ranging from 100 to 300 meters above sea level. The maritime influence from the Atlantic Ocean provides cooling breezes that extend the growing season, allowing for slower ripening and greater flavor development in the grapes.
Philosophy & Practice
Crystallum adheres to a minimalist winemaking approach that emphasizes vineyard expression over cellar manipulation. Their Pinot Noir production involves hand-sorting, partial whole-bunch fermentation (varying from 10-100% depending on the vineyard and vintage), and native yeast fermentation in open-top fermenters. Gentle extraction techniques include hand punch-downs rather than mechanical pumpovers. Their Chardonnays undergo whole-bunch pressing followed by barrel fermentation with indigenous yeasts. Aging takes place in French oak barrels, with new oak percentages kept deliberately moderate (typically 10-30%) to preserve fruit purity. The wines remain unfiltered and receive minimal fining before bottling. Annual production remains limited to approximately 3,000 cases, allowing for meticulous attention throughout the winemaking process. This focused approach has established Crystallum as a significant contributor to South Africa's cool-climate wine movement, particularly in elevating the quality and reputation of South African Pinot Noir on the international stage.