South African wine fans will know Rudiger Gretschel as a winemaker at Boekenhoutskloof and Cellarmaster at Krone and Reyneke Wines. After searching for half a lifetime, Rudiger believes he has finally found the perfect opportunity in the Piekernierskloof with Swartberg Wingerde.
The Piekernierskloof, nestled in the Western Cape, is gaining attention among wine enthusiasts seeking emerging sensations. The region’s allure lies in the rugged wilderness, amplified by altitude and cooled by Atlantic Ocean breezes from the nearby coast, creating favourable conditions for viticulture. Winemaker Rudiger Gretschel has long explored this remote area, famed for its forgotten old-vine Palomino and Grenache Noir vineyards, in search of the perfect plot.
His quest led him to a farm owned by 82-year-old Dr. Jurgens Hanekom, nestled at the base of the towering Swartberg Mountain. Spanning 1000 hectares of pristine natural beauty, with only a fraction under cultivation, the property captivates with its untouched landscapes. Additionally, vineyards from two neighboring properties now contribute grapes to Swartberg Wingerde, a new venture spearheaded by Gretschel. All wines crafted from these grapes bear the exclusive designation of Wine of Origin Piekernierskloof.
This style of Garnacha is light and fresh, in contrast to the heavy, high-alcohol Grenache Noir wines commonly found in the Southern Rhone region of France. The aromas present raspberry, strawberry, plum, and white pepper, while the palate exhibits structure with subtle spiciness, crunchy acidity, and soft, powdery tannins. Elegant profile, with ripe fruit initially captivating the senses, yet revealing a pleasing structural complexity as well.
Food pairing suggestion: Herb-roasted lamb chops.
There are no reviews yet.