David & Nadia Elpidios Red 2021

Region and Vineyards

The David & Nadia Elpidios Red hails from the Swartland region, a dynamic wine-producing area in the Western Cape of South Africa. Swartland is celebrated for its varied soils, warm climate, and a community of pioneering winemakers who are dedicated to producing wines that express a true sense of place. The region's rugged beauty and diverse terroirs contribute to the creation of complex and characterful wines.

The vineyards used for Elpidios are selected for their unique attributes:

• Granite soils from the Paardeberg area provide structure and minerality.
• Shale and schist soils from the eastern parts add depth and complexity.
• Clay-rich soils from the northern regions enhance richness and texture.
• Iron-rich soils from the western parts impart a distinctive earthiness.

These vineyards are home to old bush vines that have proven their resilience and ability to produce high-quality fruit, embodying the essence of Swartland viticulture.

Winemaking

The David & Nadia Elpidios Red is a blend of Grenache Noir (38%), Syrah (36%), Cinsaut (10%), Carignan (9%), and Pinotage (7%), each contributing to the wine's complexity and balance. The grapes are sourced from 12 different vineyards and harvested in 16 lots to ensure optimal ripeness and quality.

After harvest, the grapes undergo whole bunch pressing and natural fermentation with indigenous yeasts. This process enhances the wine's authenticity and allows the true character of the terroir to shine through. The wine is matured in a combination of old neutral French oak barrels (500 L) and a large foudre (4,100 L) specifically for Pinotage, as well as concrete vessels for Grenache and Syrah. This vintage also includes a portion of wine that was fermented and matured in concrete, adding an additional layer of complexity.

The careful blending and long, gentle extraction process result in a wine that is greater than the sum of its parts. After bottling, the wine is aged in the bottle for 18 months before release, ensuring optimal integration and harmony of flavors.

Tasting Notes

• Color: The wine displays a deep ruby red color, indicative of its intensity and richness.
• Aroma: The nose is expressive and complex, with notes of red berries, black cherries, and subtle floral hints, underpinned by nuances of spice, earth, and a touch of oak.
• Palate: On the palate, the wine is rich and well-structured, offering flavors of ripe plum, blackberry, and raspberry, complemented by layers of spice, fine tannins, and a long, elegant finish.

Did you know?

Did you know? The name "Elpidios" is derived from the Greek word for "hope," reflecting the optimism and forward-thinking philosophy of David & Nadia in their winemaking approach. This wine is also part of the Swartland Independent Producers, a group dedicated to promoting and preserving the unique character of the Swartland region through sustainable and innovative viticulture practices.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled Lamb Chops with Rosemary and Garlic: The wine's rich fruit flavors and structured tannins complement the savory and aromatic elements of the lamb, while the rosemary echoes the wine's subtle herbal notes.
• Beef Bourguignon: The robust flavors and hearty texture of this classic dish pair beautifully with the wine's complexity and depth, enhancing the savory and earthy components.
• Mushroom and Truffle Risotto: The earthy flavors of the mushrooms and truffle are elevated by the wine's minerality and spice, creating a harmonious and luxurious pairing.
• Duck Breast with Cherry Sauce: The wine's vibrant acidity and red fruit flavors complement the richness of the duck and the sweet-tart profile of the cherry sauce.

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.