Wine from SwartlandCoastal Region, South Africa

Swartland, a dynamic and progressive wine region located in the Western Cape province of South Africa, has swiftly ascended the ranks to become one of the country's most-talked-about wine territories. Noted for its vast, rolling landscapes and rugged beauty, Swartland straddles both the coastal and inland areas north of Cape Town, stretching from the small town of Darling in the west, near the Atlantic coast, to the Olifants River in the north.

Swartland's growing conditions:

The soils in Swartland are varied, with patches of schist, granite, and shale. This diversity, when coupled with the unique climate, allows for the production of wines with notable complexity and depth. 

Swartland's climate is typified by hot, dry summers and wet, mild winters. The region benefits from the cooling Atlantic breezes that roll in during the afternoons, tempering the heat and creating an environment conducive to a wide range of grape varieties. Notably, the region has gained acclaim for its exceptional Rhône varietals, such as Syrah/Shiraz, Grenache, and Mourvèdre, as well as old-vine Chenin Blanc for good measure.

Swartland Wine Revolution:

The Swartland region has undergone a transformation since 1997, led by innovators like Charles Back and Eben Sadie, catalyzing what’s known as the South African Wine Revolution. By focusing on low-intervention winemaking and utilizing old vines, they paved the way for a new generation of winemakers and the Swartland Revolution. The wines of Eben Sadie which include Palladius and Columella since their release in 2000 have garnered a cult following and are widely considered to be the finest wines produced in the whole of South Africa. Other prominent wineries include Porseleinber, Adi Badenhorst, Mullineux, David & Nadia and Donovan Rall.

Porseleinberg:

Porseleinberg is a world-class Syrah grown in the Swartland region of South Africa. Is it often compared to Jamet Cote-Rotie when tasted blind. Porseleinberg, aptly named after the porcelain-like mountain range, is home to sprawling vineyards that span across the dry and stony hills. The winery was founded by Mark Kent of Boekenhoutskloof whilst sourcing fruit for his other ventures when Kent instantly saw the potential of the schist soils of the Porseleinberg mountains. Winemaker Callie Louw is a classic vigneron living amongst the vines believing that the vineyard makes great wines. His technique of employing whole bunch fermentation using the submerged cap method, a inspiration drawn from the Rhône Valley, contributes to the wine's old-world swagger. A portion finds its resting place within concrete eggs or vats, while others mature in foudres.