David & Nadia Chenin Blanc 2022

Region and Vineyards

The David & Nadia Chenin Blanc is a remarkable expression of the Swartland region, known for its diverse terroirs and dynamic wine culture. Located in the Western Cape of South Africa, Swartland is celebrated for its warm climate, varied soils, and a community of innovative winemakers dedicated to producing wines with a strong sense of place.

This Chenin Blanc is crafted from a selection of old vine vineyards, with plantings ranging from 1968 to 1986. The vineyards are situated in various parts of Swartland, each contributing unique characteristics to the final blend:

• Granite soils from the Paardeberg region add structure and minerality.
• Shale and schist soils from the east provide depth and complexity.
• Clay-rich soils from the north enhance richness and texture.
• Iron-rich soils from the west impart a distinctive earthiness.

These dryland farmed bush vines have proven their resilience and ability to produce exceptional fruit, showcasing why Chenin Blanc is a cornerstone of Swartland viticulture.

Winemaking

The David & Nadia Chenin Blanc is a testament to the meticulous and natural winemaking approach of the producers. The grapes from eight different vineyards were harvested in nineteen separate pickings, ensuring optimal ripeness and complexity. The grapes were whole bunch pressed to extract pure, high-quality juice.

Fermentation occurred naturally with indigenous yeasts, and the wine was aged for eleven months in old neutral French oak barrels to preserve the freshness and fruit character while adding subtle complexity. Additionally, two components were fermented and matured in concrete (9% of the total), using both a square concrete tank and a concrete egg. This careful combination of ageing vessels enhances the wine's texture and mouthfeel.

The David & Nadia Chenin Blanc 2022 carries the Certified Heritage Vineyards (CHV) seal and is part of the Old Vine Project (OVP), highlighting its heritage and the significance of old vine viticulture in South Africa.

Tasting Notes

• Color: The wine displays a vibrant pale gold color, indicative of its freshness and vitality.
• Aroma: The nose is aromatic and complex, with notes of yellow apple, pear, and white peach, complemented by hints of citrus blossom and a subtle minerality.
• Palate: On the palate, the wine is rich yet focused, offering flavors of ripe stone fruits, lemon zest, and quince. It is beautifully balanced with a lively acidity and a long, mineral-driven finish.

Did you know?

The David & Nadia Chenin Blanc  is crafted from grapes grown in various old vine vineyards, some planted as early as 1968. These vineyards are part of the Old Vine Project (OVP), an initiative dedicated to preserving and promoting South Africa's heritage vineyards, emphasizing the unique qualities and historical significance of old vines.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled Scallops with Lemon Butter: The wine's acidity and minerality complement the sweetness of the scallops, while the lemon butter sauce enhances the citrus notes in the wine.
• Herb-Roasted Chicken with Root Vegetables: The richness of the chicken and the earthiness of the root vegetables are balanced by the wine's vibrant acidity and complex fruit flavors.
• Goat Cheese and Fig Salad: The creamy, tangy goat cheese pairs beautifully with the wine's fresh fruit flavors, and the sweetness of the figs adds an intriguing contrast.

History of David & Nadia

David Sadie grew up in the Swartland and studied viticulture and oenology at Stellenbosch University. After gaining experience in both South Africa and abroad, he developed a winemaking style focused on purity, precision, and site expression. Nadia Sadie, a trained soil scientist and viticulturist, complements the project with her deep understanding of Swartland’s complex geology. Together, they launched the David & Nadia label in 2013, with their first wine—a Grenache Noir—sourced from a single dryland bush vine vineyard in Paardeberg.

Early on, the couple did not own vineyards. Instead, they built lasting relationships with growers across Swartland, carefully selecting plots of old bush vines that aligned with their ethos of sustainable farming and minimal intervention. In 2014, they began producing Chenin Blanc, which would become the backbone of their range. Over the years, the project expanded to include a portfolio of both single-vineyard wines and blends, and David eventually stepped away from his role at another winery to focus solely on their brand.

They joined the Swartland Independent Producers (SIP) movement and are vocal advocates for dry-farming, low-yielding bush vines, and natural viticulture. Their philosophy rests on the idea that wine is made in the vineyard: “We don’t chase varietal expression,” David says. “We want the site to speak.”

Region and Vineyards

Swartland has become one of South Africa’s most exciting wine regions, known for its granite, shale, and iron-rich soils, Mediterranean climate, and wealth of heritage bush vines, especially Chenin Blanc. David & Nadia work exclusively with dry-farmed bush vines, many of which are 35 to 55 years old, across a selection of 13 to 15 parcels primarily in the Paardeberg, Kasteelberg, and Malmesbury areas.

The terroir diversity of Swartland plays a key role in their wines. Granitic soils from the Paardeberg contribute elegance, freshness, and salinity to their whites. Shale-rich sites on Kasteelberg add texture, while iron-oxide-rich soils around Malmesbury bring power and structure to the reds.

All their vineyards are either certified organic, in conversion, or managed sustainably, with cover crops and minimal chemical use. They champion low yields, averaging 3 to 4 tonnes per hectare, to enhance concentration and expression. David & Nadia’s work has also helped revive and preserve old vine parcels that might otherwise have been lost.

Wine Range of David & Nadia

The David & Nadia portfolio is built on two foundational categories: the main range and the single-vineyard wines, with both tiers united by a philosophy of restraint, finesse, and age-worthiness.

Their core range includes:

• David & Nadia Chenin Blanc – A multi-site blend from eight old vineyards, showcasing Swartland’s Chenin Blanc in its most balanced form.
• Grenache Noir – One of the most refined Grenaches in South Africa, made with whole-bunch fermentation and aged in old oak for minimal extraction.
• Elpidios – A Rhône-style red blend (Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Carignan, and Pinotage), offering fragrance, structure, and aging potential.

Their Single Vineyard Series focuses on terroir transparency and includes:

• Hoë-Steen Chenin Blanc – From a 1968-planted vineyard in Paardeberg; textured, saline, and tightly wound, often rated among the top white wines in South Africa.
• Skaliekop – From shale soils in Kasteelberg, noted for its richness and tension.
• Plat’Bos, Siebritskloof, and Witberg – Each representing different soil types and altitudes, giving a spectrum of Swartland Chenin expression.

All wines are made using spontaneous fermentation, gentle pressing, minimal sulphur, and no fining or filtration. Fermentation is typically done in old barrels or foudre to preserve site character, with aging often lasting 11 to 12 months.

Their style is best described as Burgundian in philosophy but Swartland in soul—nuanced, textural, and driven by minerality rather than ripeness.

Did you know?

David & Nadia’s Hoë-Steen vineyard is a member of the Old Vine Project, South Africa’s initiative to protect vines older than 35 years. With roots dating back to 1968, it is among the oldest Chenin Blanc vineyards still in production in the Cape.