Swartland

In particular, the Swartland has been at the heart of this success, thanks in no small part to the preponderance of wonderful old bush vine Chenin grown on complex and varied soils that appear to have withstood testing drought conditions for generations. Syrah is also successful here, as are the famous Cape White Blends that have done so much to reinvent South Africa’s image abroad. Grenache is perhaps the most exciting opportunity for the Swartland, being well suited and adapted to hot dry climates. The David & Nadia project, run by an enviably successful young husband and wife team, produces some of the top wines of the Swartland, and is regarded amongst the most exciting in all of South Africa. Through a combination of attentive viticulture that works to nurture and restore old Swartland bush vines (being traditional, naturally lower yielding and more resilient to the heat), a “hands-off” approach to winemaking, and the confidence to eschew irrigation wherever possible, the David & Nadia wines above all speak to pristine, lifted fruit, tense yet silken textures, and an inimitable sense of place.