Karusa
‘Karusa’ is a Khoi-San word meaning ‘land with little water’ – describing the semi-arid plateau of the Klein Karoo. Karusa is a family operated and managed wine and fruit farm. Karusa is run by family business partners Jacques Conradie (Winemaker/ marketing), Saretha Conradie (PRO), Theo Landman (Estate Manager) and property owner Johann Landman (Business Consultant). Karusa is situated at the foothills of the majestic Swartberg in the tranquil and scenic Cango Valley in Schoemanshoek, close to Oudtshoorn. The farm is en-route to the world-famous Cango Caves. The original farm, Vogelsang, was bought in 2004.
TERRIOR
After intense soil and climate research we identified the best potential site for our vineyards – ranging between 440m and 540m altitude on a direct south-facing hillside with deep well-drained rocky soil. Vineyard row orientation is north east/south west for minimal sun damage and fruit zone protection. The vineyards were planted with a 1.5m x 2.4m spacing and with a double 3 wire perold trellising system to ensure good light penetration and a healthy balance between vegetative and fruit growth.
The vineyards are manicured strictly via precise viticultural practices including strict pruning and canopy management, irrigation scheduling and the minimal use of pesticides fungicides and herbicides. We have a fully integrated sustainable organic approach by way of cover crop management , crop rotation and compost tea production. This ensures positive soil microbe activity. By way of continuous soil moisture measurement we restrict over irrigation. This helps to curb over vegetation, large berry size and high production. Our average production range between 6-8 tons/ha. Our focus is on Mediterranean cultivars suited to our climate. This include Shiraz, Viognier, Mourvedre, Grenache Noir as well as Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay and native Pinotage. Karusa is the first Klein Karoo winery to plant exotic Mediterranean cultivars like Mourvedre and Grenache Noir.
CELLAR
Our winemaker, Jacques Conradie, is a knowledgeable, creative and dynamic winemaker. He finished his studies at Elsenburg Agric College (Dip. Cellar Tech) in 1999. He made wine for famed producer Graham Beck Wines under the mentorship of Pieter Ferreira acquiring indepth knowledge in the production of Cap Classique (Methode Champenoise) and red wine production. He then moved to organic wine producer Bon Cap and pioneered the making of different wine styles by organic principles. He was consultant winemaker for renowned South African Port Winehouse Boplaas and made wine in the Rhone Valley in France and Rivesalte in the South of France. Jacques is a qualified wine judge who makes wine according to an “attention to detail” approach mirrored in the craftmanship of Karusa’s wines.
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Karusa Litchi Bomb Muscat Blanc
R79 Add to basket -
Karusa Southern Slope Sauvignon Blanc
R95 Add to basket -
Karusa One Tree Hill Pinotage
R132 Add to basket -
Soleil de Karusa Red Muscadel
R70 Add to basket -
Karusa Chenin Blanc Sauvignon Blanc
R79 Add to basket -
Karusa Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon
R86 Add to basket -
Karusa Warm Climate Grenache Noir /Shiraz/ Mourvedre
R86 Add to basket -
Karusa Muscat Rose
R69 Add to basket -
Karusa Terre Noire Syrah
R132 Add to basket -
Soleil de Karusa Vintage Port
R70 Add to basket -
Karusa Plateau Merlot
R135 Add to basket -
Karusa Earth’s Art
R132 Add to basket -
Karusa 5th Element
R271 Add to basket -
Karusa Aloe Ridge Chardonnay
R95 Add to basket
