Piekenierskloof, Grenache Blanc, Swartland, South Africa, 2022

Producer Profile

Nestled in the Citrusdal Mountains, some 50 km north of Swartland, is the magnificent Piekenierskloof plateau, the area provides the perfect environment for vine cultivation, and is home to the eponymously named Piekenierskloof Wine Company.

First settled by Dutch soldiers ‘Piekeniers’ deployed from the Cape to explore the unknown Olifants River region, the area today is famous for citrus production, but more importantly for us, this is ‘Grenache HQ’, boasting one of the largest Grenache plantings in the Cape. Piekenierskloof’s dry-land vines, grow in sandy loam soils at an altitude of 650m to 700m and have stood the test of time, consistently bearing small bunches of intense, densely structured and highly flavoured grapes, worthy of preserving. Un-grafted bush vines planted in the 1950s are still used in the production of Piekenierskloof wines, giving them immense character, intensity and authenticity. Under the watchful eye of winemaker, Hendrien Vercueil, Piekenierskloof Wines continue to produce award- winning Rhône-style wines of exceptional quality.

Viticulture

Grapes are sourced from vineyards predominantly in the Piekenierskloof region. These are bush vineyards and grow on famous koffieklip and sandy loam soils, planted in 1987. Grapes were handpicked in the early morning allowing the fruit to retain its natural freshness and acidity, usually in mid-February.

Winemaking

Only free-run juice is used and inoculated with selected yeast strain, with fermentation under controlled conditions at 15°C. The wine was then aged in 3rd and 4th fill 500L French oak barrels for 4 months.

Oak Ageing

Time: 4 Months
Type: 500 litre French Oak
% wine oaked: 100
% new oak: None

Tasting Note

A wine with appealing fresh citrus and floral aromas; on the palate it’s bright and follows a similar profile with additional yellow apple, citrus and stone fruit. The finish is crisp, yet with sufficient weight and character through to the finish.

Food Matching

Exceptional with shellfish, vegetarian dishes containing aubergine, leeks and peppers, salads with a light vinaigrette or tangy mayonnaise, oysters, asparagus with hollandaise sauce and soft cheeses.