Porseleinberg
Summary
Porseleinberg is a focused 40-hectare Swartland estate established in 2009 by Boekenhoutskloof, where winemaker Callie Louw crafts intense Syrah from challenging blue shale soils at 200-350 meters elevation. The estate's cult following stems from its traditional methods—including horse-drawn plows, native yeast fermentation, and aging in concrete and large foudres—combined with deliberately limited production that faithfully expresses the distinctive mountain terroir.
Heritage & Leadership
Porseleinberg was established in 2009 as a specialized project by Boekenhoutskloof, one of South Africa's significant wine producers. The venture released its first commercial vintage in 2010, marking the beginning of what would become a focused pursuit of expressing the unique terroir of the Swartland region. The name "Porseleinberg" directly references the distinctive porcelain-like sheen of the shale soils found on the mountain where the vineyards are situated.
The project was developed with the involvement of Marc Kent, the winemaker at parent company Boekenhoutskloof. The day-to-day operations and winemaking responsibilities fall to Callie Louw, who serves as both vineyard manager and winemaker. Louw has become synonymous with Porseleinberg's identity, implementing a hands-on, minimalist approach to both farming and winemaking that has defined the estate's philosophy since its inception.
Vineyards & Wines
Porseleinberg's vineyards are situated on the eponymous mountain in the Swartland region of South Africa's Western Cape. The vineyard area encompasses approximately 40 hectares, positioned at elevations ranging between 200-350 meters above sea level. This elevation, combined with the predominantly south and east-facing aspects of the vineyards, helps moderate temperatures in this otherwise hot growing region.
The geological foundation of Porseleinberg is one of its most distinctive features. The soils consist primarily of blue shale (schistous) with some decomposed granite, creating challenging growing conditions that contribute to the character of the wines. The region experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters.
Syrah (also called Shiraz) is the primary focus at Porseleinberg, forming the backbone of their production. The estate produces a flagship Syrah that has received high ratings from international wine critics, including scores in the mid-90s from publications like Wine Advocate. These wines are characterized by their intensity, structure, and capacity for aging—qualities that reflect both the challenging growing conditions and the winemaking approach.
Philosophy & Practice
Porseleinberg's viticultural practices emphasize minimal intervention. The vineyards are worked largely by hand, with horse-drawn plows used in some areas—a practice that reflects both respect for tradition and concern for soil compaction. The estate follows dry-farming principles, employing minimal irrigation to encourage deep root systems and increase concentration in the fruit while better expressing the site's terroir.
In the winery, Porseleinberg maintains this minimalist philosophy. Fermentation occurs with native yeasts, allowing for a more natural expression of the fruit and site. The aging program demonstrates restraint in the use of new oak, with wines matured in a combination of concrete vessels and large format wooden foudres. This approach preserves the purity of the fruit while allowing for gentle oxidation and development.
Production at Porseleinberg remains deliberately limited, maintaining focus on quality over quantity. The winemaking process incorporates traditional methods, including the use of a basket press for gentle extraction. Minimal filtration and fining are employed before bottling, preserving the wine's natural character and structure. All wines carry the Wine of Origin Swartland designation, firmly placing them within the context of this increasingly respected South African wine region.