The Sadie Family - 'Soldaat' Grenache 2016

The Sadie Family - 'Soldaat' Grenache 2016

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Description

"It has a wonderful definition and transparency, and is extraordinarily pure with an enthralling sous-bois undertow. The palate is taut and linear, very focused, nimble and poised with fine but strict tannin; it is tightly wound with tertiary red berry fruit that segue into a poised finish. This is a serious Grenache from Eben Sadie, one that deserves to be cellared for as long as you can withstand."

 

--------THE PRODUCER--------

The Sadie Family Winery

The Sadie Family winery is headed by Eben Sadie. Eben is considered to be one of the absolute leaders of the new generation of South African winemakers. He is a visionary that is trying to put not just put the region he grows in, Swartland, on the map but also South Africa. He is producing wines that are true expressions of grapes, soils and regions with all of the wines made being highly coveted and extraordinarily good. Eben Sadie founded the winery in 1999 and has been making incredible wines ever since.

 

--------THE GRAPE--------

Grenache/Garnacha

Grenache is the French name, and Garnacha the Spanish, of this great red grape varietal. There are often heated discussions as to which country has the historical right to it but politics aside it is a widely popular and successful grape in the hottest of regions. Perhaps it is best known for being the lead grape in the blend of the wines of Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

 

--------THE REGION--------

Swartland

Traditionally a grain-producing area, in summer the Swartland district is marked by green pockets of vineyards clambering up the foothills of the mountains (Piketberg, Porterville, Riebeek and Perdeberg) and along the banks of the Berg River. In the past, the region was planted mainly to bushvines but trellising is increasingly being adopted due to advances in management strategies and quality considerations.

The Swartland literally translated means ‘the black land’ and the area takes its name from the now endangered indigenous renosterbos (rhino bush) which once turned the landscape a dark colour at certain times of the year. The district was traditionally a source of robust, full-bodied red wines and high quality, fortified wines. The Swartland Independent Producers (SIP) is a coming together of a group of like-minded producers working to express a true sense of place in the wines of the Swartland. 

In recent times, some exciting award-winning wines have emerged, both red and white, and the area continues to produce top port-style wines. Increasing percentages of Pinotage, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon are being grown here, as well as Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc. It has five designated wards:  Malmesbury, Paardeberg, Paardeberg-South, Riebeekberg and Riebeeksrivier. The district of Swartland borders Piketberg to the north, which is not dissimilar in both geography and climate.