Kleine Zalze – Chenin Blanc and Family Reserve from Stellenbosch

Traditional wine estate with winemaking since 1695

Kleine Zalze is a traditional wine estate with winemaking since 1695 in Stellenbosch. Here Chenin Blanc, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon are made in several quality tiers, from the approachable entry-level range to the top range Family Reserve, which shows the house's ambition with Chenin Blanc from old bush vines, among others.

To buy Kleine Zalze wine, choose from the Cellar Selection, Vineyard Selection and Family Reserve ranges, plus Méthode Cap Classique.

Learn more about Kleine Zalze

Kleine Zalze

From de Groote Zalze to Kleine Zalze

In 1683 Nicolaas Cleef settled on the farm de Groote Zalze by the Blaauwklippen river. A census of 1692 already recorded 7,000 vines there.^[1] In 1695 Simon van der Stel granted Cleef freehold title to 57 morgen, of which 18 are part of Kleine Zalze today.^[1]

The name means "little salt".^[2] The Du Toit family held de Groote Zalze for 166 years; afterwards the drinks group Gilbeys bought two portions and combined them into today's Kleine Zalze.^[1]

In 1996 Kobus Basson and his family bought the estate, renovated the cellar and replanted the vineyards.^[1] In September 2022 ownership passed to the French wine company AdVini.^[1]

Vineyards and Philosophy

According to the house's philosophy, success begins in the vineyard: varieties and clones are chosen to suit soils and slopes.^[1] After the purchase, the soils were mapped and the vineyards replanted on that basis.^[2]

In addition, grapes come from selected sites in other areas, including Durbanville, Darling and Walker Bay.^[2] Picking is early, but only at phenolic ripeness.^[2]

The Ranges of the House

The wines are arranged in tiers: Cellar Selection, Heritage Vineyards, Vineyard Selection and Family Reserve, plus Méthode Cap Classique and Project Z.^[1] The higher the tier, the more the individual site comes to the fore.

The Chenin Blanc shows this best. The Vineyard Selection comes from bush vines of around 35 years in Stellenbosch, the Family Reserve from bush vines of around 50 years across three soil types and matures for a year in barrel (details for the 2014 vintage).^[2] The Chenin wines generally show citrus and salty acidity, the Family Reserve adds creamy oak.^[2]

Alongside are Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon in all tiers, as well as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and the Méthode Cap Classique as Brut and Brut Rosé.

A Changing Cellar Team

Johan Joubert, previously at Muratie and the Boland cooperative among others, celebrated ten years as cellarmaster at Kleine Zalze in 2012 and was known especially for Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc.^[3] In 2016 a report named Alastair Rimmer as winemaker.^[2]

According to the estate's own site, RJ Botha is cellarmaster today.^[1]

Vineyard facts

Year of established:

1695

Address:

Strand Rd, De Zalze Golf Estate, Stellenbosch, 7600

Geo data address:

-33.97033212141194, 18.836089435779293

Our recommendation:

Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection Chenin Blanc

Why you should visit:

A wide range of tasting experiences – from the Family Reserve to the Chenin Journey and Cabernet Journey – invites visitors to discover Kleine Zalze's award-winning wines
The restaurant showcases seasonal farm-to-table cuisine, locally sourced ingredients and thoughtfully paired wines
Sharing platters featuring cheese, charcuterie and regional delicacies perfectly complement the tasting experience beneath the vines or ancient oak trees
Surrounded by the vineyards of Stellenbosch, Kleine Zalze combines award-winning wines, warm hospitality and authentic Winelands charm

Phone:

+27 (0)21 880 0717

Vineyard website:

https://kleinezalze.co.za/

Frequently Asked Questions about Kleine Zalze

What is Kleine Zalze known for?

For Chenin Blanc, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon in several quality tiers, and for the Family Reserve range.

Where is Kleine Zalze?

On Strand Road (R44) in Stellenbosch, in the De Zalze Golf Estate.

Since when has wine been made there?

According to the estate, since 1695, on a small scale. The farm was settled as early as 1683.

What does Kleine Zalze mean?

The name means "little salt".

Who owns Kleine Zalze?

Since September 2022 the French wine company AdVini; before that the family of Kobus Basson (since 1996).

What distinguishes Cellar Selection, Vineyard Selection and Family Reserve?

They are ascending quality tiers: from approachable wines through site-focused wines to the top range.

Where does the Chenin Blanc come from?

From Stellenbosch, from bush vines of around 35 (Vineyard Selection) and 50 years (Family Reserve).

Is there sparkling wine too?

Yes, Méthode Cap Classique as Brut and Brut Rosé.

Which dishes go with Kleine Zalze wines?

Chenin Blanc with poultry and seafood, Syrah and Cabernet with lamb and beef.

Can Kleine Zalze be visited?

Yes, with tastings in the tasting room. According to the estate, the restaurant was most recently closed.