De Toren Fusion V

As the estate’s flagship wine, Fusion V made history upon its 1999 debut as South Africa’s first premium Bordeaux-style blend featuring all five classic grape varieties. The 2021 vintage beautifully captures that pioneering spirit combined with the class of Stellenbosch in a layered, silky wine full of red and dark fruit, graphite, and fine-grained tannins.

The 25-hectare estate is located on the slopes of the Polkadraai Hills, within the South African wine region of Stellenbosch.

• Location / Origin: The vineyards are situated on an open hillside between approximately 170 and 200 m above sea level. This position provides the plots with ample sunshine and constant ventilation from the direction of False Bay.

• Soil: Extensive soil research identified 15 different soil types across the estate. For Fusion V, the gravel-rich plots overlying ancient weathered granite are particularly important; the excellent drainage restricts vine vigor and supports the development of small, concentrated fruit.

• Climate & Influences: Cool sea breezes from False Bay moderate the warm summer days. This allows the grapes to ripen gradually while retaining their natural freshness and aromatic precision.

• Vineyard management: De Toren follows organic viticulture principles and rigorously limits yields by removing up to 40% of the clusters during the season. Just over 1 kg of grapes per vine provides a particularly concentrated foundation for the final blend.

South Africa’s first fully gravity-fed wine cellar forms the basis for a remarkably gentle and precise production process.

• Harvest & Selection: The grapes are harvested by hand in the cool early morning and undergo several rounds of careful selection, ensuring that only healthy, optimally ripe fruit reaches the fermentation tanks.

• Fermentation: Separate batches are vinified in small, wide tanks. The high skin-to-juice ratio promotes even extraction, while the must and wine are moved exclusively by gravity to preserve the fine tannin structure.

• Maturation / Oak aging: The 2021 vintage is aged for 12 months in 225 L oak barrels, split between approximately 50% new and 50% second-fill wood. Aging takes place primarily in French oak, supplemented with American oak, allowing notes of cedar, spices, and extra depth to blend seamlessly with the fruit.

The name Fusion V refers to the blending of the five classic Bordeaux grapes, with Cabernet Sauvignon serving as the backbone.

• Cabernet Sauvignon – Stellenbosch: Forms the backbone of the blend, contributing cassis, dark cherries, structure, and excellent aging potential.

• Merlot – Stellenbosch: Provides roundness, ripe plums, and a soft, generous texture on the mid-palate.

• Malbec – Stellenbosch: Adds deep color, dark fruit, and extra volume.

• Cabernet Franc – Stellenbosch: Brings aromatic refinement, red fruit, and a subtly spicy lift.

• Petit Verdot – Stellenbosch: Enhances the color and tannin structure, providing extra grip and length on the finish.