A winemaker who graduated from Stellenbosch University with a degree in viticulture and oenology. Winemaking was the answer to her dream.
After her studies, Carla was a successful winemaker in Stellenbosch, France, New Zealand and Spain. From 2000 to 2008 she was employed by Anura Vineyards. During this time, Anura's wines have won numerous top awards, including two trophies at the prestigious Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show for Best Chenin Blanc and Best MCC, as well as Best Red Wine at the SAA Wine Selection 2005. Her wines have also been honoured with many Double Gold Awards at the Michelangelo and Veritas Wine Awards. Since 2010 she has dedicated herself entirely to Saltare cultivation.
Carla's husband Christoff grew up in Stellenbosch and inevitably learnt to appreciate good wine in the heart of the South African wine region. He quickly recognised Carla's potential and supports her wherever he can. His passion lies in tasting the excellent Brut MCCs and wines. Of course, he also helps with the harvest. However, he still works in Stellenbosch at the Institute for Advanced Study, STIAS.
We are indescribably fascinated by the great Brut MCCs and the wines that Carla and Christoff presented to us in Stellenbosch in January 2019. We are also very proud to be able to offer this product portfolio in our range exclusively for Germany were allowed to record.
Saltare means "to dance" in Latin.
The movement, the grace, the simplicity and the joy - that's what you'll find in the Saltare Cap Classiques and in the wines.
Saltare is a boutique winery in Stellenbosch, South Africa.
Carla carefully selects her grapes from five different vineyards in the Western Cape and transports them to the wine cellar in Stellenbosch after the harvest. This is where Carla's art begins.
The wine cellar is situated on the banks of the Eerste River near the centre of Stellenbosch. The studio for the tastings is on the other side of the river in 'The Avenue', 30, in the heart of the historic town. We were also able to enjoy the idyllic and cosy atmosphere at Carla and Christoff's place during a very individual wine tasting. The Brut MCCs are of outstanding quality.
Organic, biodynamic, ecologically sustainable, biological - what is what?
South Africa certifies organic winegrowing and wine production. One of Saltare's vineyards has been awarded organic certification, namely the Swartland Syrah.
The MCC vineyards, especially the Chardonnay (Robertson), are cultivated with a holistic approach by Fritz Breytenbach. He has over 50 years of experience in "reading his vines" and treating them. He sees the soil as a whole with all the complex interactions between micro-organisms, minerals, oxygen, nitrogen and plants. All of this produces astonishing results in terms of grape quality, volume and consistency.
Since 2015, Carla has also been looking after a small Pinot Noir vineyard in Sommerset West. These grapes are needed for the Cap Classique. She practises organic principles and uses no pesticides or herbicides. A bed of hay mulch helps to improve the soil quality. Carla uses various biodynamic practices such as harvesting or processing grapes and bottling according to the biodynamic calendar of Southern Africa.
The Chenin Blanc and Syrah ferment in barrels with wild yeasts - without the addition of chemical yeasts. When wines need to be moved or bottled, gravity does the work and not the pumps. Finally, all Saltare wines have a very low sulphur content.