David & Nadia Grenache Noir 2022

Region and Vineyards

The Swartland, situated north of Cape Town, has established itself as one of South Africa's most dynamic wine regions. Its Mediterranean climate, marked by warm, dry summers and cooling ocean breezes from the Atlantic, provides ideal conditions for Grenache. The area's soils are remarkably diverse, with the granite-derived decomposed soils of the Paardeberg and the iron-rich soils of Malmesbury particularly well suited to Grenache's resilience and character.

David & Nadia source this wine from a collection of dry-farmed, old bush-vine Grenache parcels across Swartland. These vineyards, many of which were planted decades ago, reflect the estate's philosophy of preserving heritage vines and working in harmony with nature. Low yields and careful farming ensure concentration without sacrificing elegance, producing fruit that mirrors the rugged yet balanced landscape of Swartland.

Winemaking

The wine is made from 100% Grenache Noir, harvested from multiple sites to capture complexity. The fruit is sorted meticulously in the vineyard, then fermented with a significant proportion of whole bunches, encouraging aromatic lift and subtle spice. Indigenous yeasts guide the fermentation, reflecting the producer's commitment to minimal intervention winemaking.

After fermentation, the wine is matured for approximately 12 months in old French oak barrels of various sizes. The use of neutral oak preserves the wine's bright fruit profile and delicate structure, rather than imposing strong wood influence. No additives are used beyond minimal sulphur, underscoring David & Nadia's philosophy of purity and transparency in their wines.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Medium ruby with translucent brightness, showing Grenache's hallmark clarity.
• Aroma: Red cherry, wild strawberry, and raspberry interlace with subtle notes of dried herbs, white pepper, and rose petals. Hints of earthy minerality and citrus peel add depth.
• Palate: Light to medium-bodied, with a silken texture and finely etched tannins. Flavors of juicy red fruit are lifted by a vibrant acidity, while a mineral backbone and gentle spice provide length and precision.

Did you know?

David and Nadia Sadie are part of the Swartland Independent Producers, a collective dedicated to championing authentic, terroir-driven wines. Their Grenache program has been widely credited with raising the profile of Grenache in South Africa, positioning it alongside Syrah and Chenin Blanc as one of the Cape's most exciting varietal expressions.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Herb-crusted lamb chops - the wine's fine tannins and red fruit complement the savory richness of lamb.
• Chargrilled vegetables with rosemary - the herbal notes in the Grenache echo the dish's flavors while the acidity refreshes the palate.
• Duck breast with cranberry glaze - the wine's bright cherry and berry profile enhances the sweet-savory interplay of the dish.
• Mature goat's cheese - the wine's freshness and gentle spice balance the richness of the cheese.

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.