Swartberg Wingerde is an exciting wine project founded by the esteemed winemaker Rudiger Gretschel, known for his work with some of South Africa’s top wineries, including Krone, Boekenhoutskloof, and Reyneke Wines. After years of exploring the remote Piekenierskloof region, Rudiger discovered the ideal location at the foot of the Swartberg Mountain to bring his vision to life. Here, he found long-forgotten old vine Palomino vineyards, which have become the cornerstone of his unique venture. Swartberg Wingerde embodies Rudiger’s dedication to reviving these ancient vines and crafting exceptional wines that reflect the character and history of this remarkable terroir.
The Palomino grape variety is most famously associated with the Jerez region of Spain, where it is traditionally used in the production of sherry. However, there is a growing trend of producing still wines from Palomino. Contrary to what one might expect, this dry white wine doesn’t carry the nutty, dried fruit flavours typical of sherry. Instead, it offers a fruit-forward profile, with flavours of crisp apples, conference pears, and light peach, complemented by a subtle hint of pineapple cubes and almonds.
One of the standout characteristics of Palomino still wines is their refreshing salinity, which is present here, in Rudiger’s wine, adding a unique touch to the wine without the intensely nutty sherry notes. The wine is medium to full-bodied yet remains light and refreshing, with a crispness reminiscent of Chenin Blanc but with its own distinctive character. Alongside the fruit notes, there are subtle hints of almonds, spices, toffee, and citrus, all mingling with that refreshing salinity.
What makes this wine even more remarkable is its organic production. The grapes are grown without irrigation, and the wine is made without added yeasts and with minimal SO2 added before bottling, ensuring it stays fresh and vibrant. It’s a beautifully crafted wine that showcases the versatility of the Palomino grape.
Food pairing suggestion: Grilled crayfish.
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