David & Nadia Grenache 2023

David and Nadia Sadie make this Grenache in the Wine of Origin Swartland, an arid region north of Cape Town. David is the winemaker and Nadia trained in soil science and viticulture, and the couple draw on a range of organically farmed sites over the granite, schist and shale soils typical of the Swartland. These poor, well drained soils and the warm, dry climate keep yields low and concentrate flavour, while the granitic ground lends the wine its fine, savoury structure. The fruit is fermented and aged in wood, and older, larger format oak is used to allow gentle oxygen exchange without adding obvious toast or vanilla, preserving the perfume of the grape. The colour is medium ruby. The nose captures dried raspberry and blackcurrant seasoned with a subtle dusting of white pepper, framed by dried herbs and earth. The palate is slender and vertical, bright and finely textured, with modest alcohol at 13 percent, gentle tannin and a long savoury finish. Serve at around 15 to 16 degrees. It works with roast duck, herb roasted chicken and mushroom dishes.