Overview
The Swartland revolution was built on ancient Chenin Blanc bush vines — some 40–60 years old, dry-farmed on schist and granite. Sadie Family's Palladius and Eben Sadie's blends inspired a generation of winemakers to explore the Cape's forgotten old-vine treasures. These Chenins rival the Loire Valley's finest.
In The Glass
- Colour
- Medium lemon
- Nose
- Quince, Yellow peach, Apricot, Beeswax and Lanolin.
- Palate
- Africa's greatest Chenin — old vines, schist minerals, profound and complex. Generally medium-bodied, crisp acidity, dry, with a long finish.
Tasting Profile
Body Medium3/5
Tannins Silky1/5
Acidity Crisp4/5
Sweetness Bone Dry1/5
Alcohol Medium3/5
Grapes
Chenin BlancGrenache BlancClairette
Aromas And Notes
QuinceYellow peachApricotLemon curdBeeswaxLanolinChalkWhite flowersHoneyPetrolAlmond
Terroir
Hot, dry Mediterranean — Cape Doctor sea breeze crucial. No irrigation.
SchistGraniteMalmesbury shale
Food Pairings
Grilled crayfishMild Cape Malay currySmoked snoekAged Boerenkaas
Notable Producers
- Sadie Family Wines, founded 2000 - Palladius White Blend
- Mullineux Family Wines, founded 2007 - Straw Wine Chenin
- David & Nadia, founded 2010 - Chenin Blanc Skerpioen