Winemaker Notes
Grenache as their ultimate red variety shows once again why this variety is well suited to the Swartland in its droughts and harsh conditions. One Paardeberg sustainably farmed vineyard planted in the early 2000’s is responsible for the core of this wine, blended with a similarly aged organically certified vineyard planted in deep rich clay soils, north of Malmesbury. This vintage of the Grenache also contains a component fermented and matured in concrete. Four weeks on the skins pre-/during fermentation, 60% whole bunches, one punch down per day, minimum and gentle extraction. Pressed off and matured in old 500 L neutral French oak barrels for a year.
Grenache thrives in any warm, Mediterranean climate where ample sunlight allows its clusters to achieve full phenolic ripeness. While Grenache's birthplace is Spain (there called Garnacha), today it is more recognized as the key player in the red blends of the Southern Rhône, namely Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône and its villages. Somm Secret—The Italian island of Sardinia produces bold, rustic, single varietal Grenache (there called Cannonau). California, Washington and Australia have achieved found success with Grenache, both flying solo and in blends.
Literally meaning "the black land," Swartland takes its name from the endangered, indigenous "renosterbos" (translating to rhino bush), which used to be plentiful enough to turn the entire landscape a dark color certain during times of year. The district, attracting some of the most adventurous and least interventionist winemakers, excels in robust and full-bodied reds as well as quality fortified wines.