Neil Ellis Wines

South Africa

Neil Ellis is considered to be one of the most influential pioneers of the modern-day South African wine industry. His vision, the pursuit of quality, extended out of the cellar and into the vineyards where varieties would excel and best express a particular style of wine reflective of their environment. Today, the experience and knowledge of the past are applied to modern techniques and technologies for a new generation of winemaking. “Our vision remains to make distinctive, refined wines that are expressive of their terrain and rank amongst South Africa’s finest. A pursuit of quality, nothing less.”

Still very much involved in the active operation of the winery, Stephanie and Neill Ellis are joined by their children Warren (Chief Enologist) and Margot (Brand Management). The team at Neil Ellis Wines believes in responsible environmental practices. They are committed to respecting the soil, cutting water use, recycling and reducing energy use and greenhouse emissions. They are a member of the IPW, a voluntary environmental sustainability program, and comply to their regulations.

Wines

Groenekloof Sauvignon Blanc · Profile

The Groenekloof vineyards are located near Darling on the West Coast and consist of a series of hills running parallel to the ocean. These bush vines are low yielding vineyards, delivering a refreshing, well-structured wine with bright, tropical aromatics. The palate is elegant with delicately detailed tropical fruits and subtle herbacious undertones. A lively acidity and a refined minerality add to the complexity of the wine.

SKU 830589

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Groenekloof Sauvignon Blanc · Pairing

The Groenekloof Sauvignon Blanc is a delightful, elegant aperitif and socializing wine. It pairs well with summer salads, grilled fish, poultry, and shellfish.

Neil Ellis West Coast Sauvignon Blanc · Profile

Bush vines grown on the rolling hills of Groenekloof yield the distinctive fruit used to make this Sauvignon Blanc. The cooling effect of the Benguela Current and the ever-present south-east wind leave a most delicate imprint of salinity on the grapes. An extended period on its lees creates texture and viscosity in this utterly refreshing, delightful white wine.

SKU 876707

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Neil Ellis West Coast Sauvignon Blanc · Pairing

The birthplace of this wine is known for its uncomplicated, free-spirited lifestyle. The simple preparation of quality ingredients – for instance fresh fish or shellfish on the braii – fully come to life when paired with this West Coast Sauvignon Blanc.

Neil Ellis Wildflower Rosé · Profile

The Neil Ellis Wildflower Rosé is made with Cinsaut grapes harvested in vineyards around Darling. The style is reminiscent of dry rosé wines from Provence. Bright, with a salmon-hue colour and low in alcohol, but substantial in taste and texture. Floral and spicy notes linger in the background with the slightest tang of sea salt.

SKU 876712

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Neil Ellis Wildflower Rosé · Pairing

A nice wine to have when you put up your feet to enjoy a good read, or pull up the easel or notepad and let the inspiration flow. Whatever the occasion, mood, or season, enjoy this exuberant rosé, well chilled, simply on its own, or with an endless variety of culinary complements.

 

Neil Ellis Short Left Cinsault · Profile

Cinsault is one of South Africa’s oldest varieties, but still very unheralded. In a world dominated by heavier wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, this Cinsault charms with a lighter, fresher style with bright berry flavours. Soft, powdery tannins complement the savoury earthiness of the wine leading into a finish with lingering spice and a surprising complexity.

SKU 878688

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Neil Ellis Short Left Cinsault · Pairing

This style of red wine lends itself to be paired with flavourful dishes such as seafood paella, Indian curry, Szechuan chicken, or a barbecued burger.

Groenekloof Syrah · Profile

The Syrah grapes from the Groenekloof vineyard were handpicked from low yielding bush vines. They produce a medium bodied wine with vibrant colours. The aroma is full of enticing dark fruit with contributing spicy undertones. There are lingering savoury notes in the long finish, accentuated by fine, elegant tannins.

SKU 843990

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Groenekloof Syrah · Pairing

This wine pairs very well with braised pork belly and roasted chicken. With its earthy tones, it also stands up well to Indian inspired cuisine.

Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon · Profile

The aim with this wine is to show the potential of Stellenbosch as a region with Cabernet Sauvignon. It has an intense dark colour with youthful hints of purple. Aromas of complex black berries combine with notes of cedar. The palate shows fine, dense tannins leading into a long finish. Built to last and age, the wine will benefit from decanting when consumed at an early age.

SKU 830591

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Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon · Pairing

The elegant tannins of this wine complement flavourful protein dishes such as grilled steak, roasted red meats, and venison.

Also available in a magnum bottle with attractive gift box.

SKU 843704

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Neil Ellis Whitehall Chardonnay · Profile

A mere 10km from the ocean, this valley benefits from cold winters with abundant rainfall, followed by cool south-easterly ocean breezes in the summer. The cool summers allow for a longer ripening period which produces grapes with concentration, fruit intensity and elegant tannins. Average altitude 300 metres.

Attractive aromas of lemon zest, pear, and white flowers. Tightly structured palate with a mouth-watering acidity, balanced by subtle oak undertones. A fine mineral edge with a balanced richness. Elegant and long finish. A wine that stands up to the great white wines from Burgundy.

SKU 830590

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Neil Ellis Whitehall Chardonnay · Pairing

Grilled salmon, noble fish in cream sauce, grilled white meats and pork, roasted vegetables all work extremely well with the elegance and minerality of this Chardonnay.

Neil Ellis Bottelary Pinotage · Profile

Just outside Cape Town lies the rolling hills of the Bottelary region, creating a unique terrain for the cultivation of Pinotage; one of the wild horses in grape varieties. This is where sun, slopes and sea breezes combine to produce an elegant, medium bodied and well-structured Pinotage that has been described as one of the best examples of the variety in the world.

SKU 101871

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Neil Ellis Bottelary Pinotage · Pairing

The untamed character shows in the overall flavour profile, making this Pinotage a great match for venison, roasted lamb, veal osso buco, and oxtail. For a unique twist, enjoy with chocolate dessert.

Neil Ellis Single Vineyard Jonkershoek Amica Sauvignon Blanc · Profile

This limited releasee Sauvignon Blanc demonstrates the distinctiveness of its specific terroir and represents the winery’s finest quality Sauvignon Blanc. After spontaneous fermentation with wild yeasts, the wine was matured for 9 months in 500 litre French oak barrels, resulting in an elegant Sauvignon Blanc with tropical fruit flavours. A well-integrated acidity gives a fresh mouth feel while contributing to a vibrant lengthy finish.

SKU 105145

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Neil Ellis Single Vineyard Jonkershoek Amica Sauvignon Blanc · Pairing

Green Thai curry, seared tuna, grilled veal and pork chops, and noble fish preparations in a citrus or cream sauce pair nicely with this elegant wine.

Jonkershoek Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon · Profile

Jonkershoek is the family’s signature Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine displays an enticing, intense dark colour. The aroma is full of deep, underlying notes of blue and black berries, complemented by the cedar aromas that are typical for the Jonkershoek Valley. The berry flavours are through to the palate, supported by firm and smooth tannins, leading into an elegant, long finish.

SKU 830593

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Jonkershoek Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon · Pairing

A very unique partner to dark chocolate. Works great with roast beef, lamb, and venison. It stands up to ripe, mature cheese and – for those who are so inclined – and after dinner cigar.

Neil Ellis Piekenierskloof Old Vine Grenache · Profile

Neil discovered the oldest Grenache vineyard in the country that each year yields a limited amount of grapes. The vineyard produced consistently award winning Grenache since 2007. The alcoholic fermentation is initiated in stainless steel tank with the malolactic fermentation being completed in French oak barrels. The wine is aged for 14 months in a combination of new, 2nd and 3rd passage larger French oak barrels.The wine has inviting red berry and creamy strawberry flavours, complemented by a creamy texture and silky tannins.

SKU 105146

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Neil Ellis Piekenierskloof Old Vine Grenache · Pairing

A great choice with rack of lamb, pork belly, and lamb osso buco on a bed of creamy polenta. The acidity of the wine allows it to pair well with an oily fish such as cedar plank salmon.