David & Nadia Elpidios 2022

David & Nadia farm in Swartland, the dry, sun baked region north of Cape Town that has become South Africa's hub for old vine, low intervention wine. They are part of the Swartland Independent Producers, a group committed to organic farming and natural cellar work. Elpidios is a field blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Carignan and Pinotage, drawn from old, dry farmed bush vines on a patchwork of soils, chiefly decomposed granite and schist. The climate is warm and Mediterranean, but the poor soils and unirrigated old vines naturally limit yields, giving small, concentrated berries while the granite keeps the wines fresh and lifted. Fermentation runs on native yeasts, and the wine is aged in older barrels that round the tannins through gentle oxygen exchange without adding obvious oak. The result is medium ruby, with a nose of red cherry, raspberry, dried herbs and black pepper over an earthy, scrubland note that recalls the local fynbos. The palate is medium bodied and fresh, with bright red fruit, fine tannin and a savoury, herbal finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It suits roast lamb, game and mushroom dishes.