Mullineux Straw Wine 2025

Region and Vineyards

Swartland is a warm, dry South African wine region renowned for old vines, dry farming and ancient soils. For this wine, Mullineux selects two Chenin Blanc parcels chosen specifically for their ability to retain the acidity needed to balance such concentrated sweetness. One is a 43-year-old parcel on Kasteelberg, rooted in stony shale- and schist-based soils; the other comes from 47-year-old dry-farmed bush vines on Paardeberg, planted in decomposed granite.

The 2025 vintage began with plentiful winter rain and a moderate spring, followed by heat spikes in December and January and a dry growing season. Harvest came around ten days later than the historical average. Pronounced day-to-night temperature shifts helped preserve freshness as the fruit concentrated, while white varieties retained above-average acidity. Those conditions gave the Chenin Blanc the piercing intensity and natural tension essential to balancing the wine's remarkable richness.

Winemaking

Mullineux Straw Wine 2025 is made from 100% Chenin Blanc, harvested by hand. The bunches are then left under shade for several weeks to desiccate gently. This slow dehydration concentrates sugar, acidity and flavour while preserving the freshness required for balance in such a richly sweet style. Once the desired concentration is reached, the dried bunches are pressed.

The juice is transferred to 225 L barrels for indigenous-yeast fermentation lasting 11 months. Fermentation stops naturally, leaving 358 g/L of residual sugar and just 7.5% alcohol. The wine is then settled, racked, blended and bottled without fining or filtration. With acidity of 7.3 g/L and a pH of 3.22, the finished wine has a vivid structural counterpoint to its rounded, soft texture. It is certified organic, vegetarian and vegan, and bottled in a 37.5 cL format.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright, luminous gold, with the visual richness expected from a highly concentrated straw wine.
• Aroma: Striking granitic and mineral notes lead the bouquet, giving an impression of freshness and stony definition before the wine's richer fruit character emerges.
• Palate: Layers of sun-dried apricot and fresh lime unfold across a rounded, soft texture, complemented by a subtle touch of citrus pith. Despite the considerable sweetness, incisive acidity brings energy and definition, leading into a persistent, distinctly saline finish.

Did You Know?

Chris and Andrea Mullineux founded the estate in 2007 after recognising the potential of Swartland's old vineyards and granite- and schist-derived soils. Mullineux has since been named South African Winery of the Year by Platter's Wine Guide an unprecedented five times, in 2014, 2016, 2019, 2020 and 2023, underlining its remarkable consistency at the forefront of South African fine wine.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Pan-seared foie gras with apricot chutney: The wine's luscious sweetness mirrors the richness of the foie gras, while its acidity and saline finish refresh the palate and sharpen the fruit-driven contrast.
• Roquefort or mature blue cheese: Salty, pungent blue cheese creates a classic counterpoint to the intense sweetness, allowing the wine's apricot fruit, acidity and savoury edge to become even more expressive.
• Apricot and almond tart: Apricot echoes the wine's central fruit character, while almond provides a gentle nutty richness that complements its velvety texture without overwhelming its citrus freshness.
• Lime crème brûlée: The creamy custard harmonises with the wine's soft mouthfeel, while lime brings a citrus connection that highlights its freshness and keeps this decadent pairing beautifully balanced.

History of Mullineux

The Mullineux estate was founded in 2007 by Chris and Andrea Mullineux, a husband-and-wife team united by their shared philosophy of terroir expression, minimal intervention, and a deep respect for Swartland’s viticultural heritage. Chris, originally from South Africa, studied viticulture and oenology at Stellenbosch University before gaining hands-on experience in France and California. Andrea, a graduate of the prestigious University of California Davis viticulture program, worked with top producers in Napa and in the Rhône before settling in the Cape.

Their joint vision was to highlight the Swartland's extraordinary old vines and soil diversity through refined, site-specific wines. In 2013, Indian entrepreneur and wine enthusiast Analjit Singh joined the project, enabling the creation of Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines. This partnership marked a turning point in the estate’s development, leading to a dedicated winery in Franschhoek and the birth of the Leeu Passant label, which focuses on historic vineyards from across the Cape.

Mullineux’s rapid rise to prominence has been underscored by numerous accolades, including Platter’s Winery of the Year (2014, 2016, 2019, and 2020) and Andrea Mullineux’s selection as Wine Enthusiast’s Winemaker of the Year in 2016. The estate is widely recognised for helping to redefine the identity of South African fine wine on the global stage.

Region and Vineyards

Mullineux is firmly rooted in the Swartland, a dry, rugged, and sun-drenched region north of Cape Town. Once overlooked in favour of cooler-climate areas, the Swartland has emerged as a leading source of low-yielding bush vines grown in soils that are among the oldest and most diverse on earth. The region’s lack of irrigation and wide diurnal ranges allow for a long, slow ripening period, resulting in concentrated, well-balanced fruit.

The estate draws from over 20 vineyard parcels, each selected for its geological character and suitability to the varieties. These include granite soils on the Paardeberg, which contribute freshness and purity; schist-rich sites on Kasteelberg, which yield structure and density; and iron-rich soils near Malmesbury, which bring power and depth. Vines range from 35 to over 70 years of age, many of which qualify for certification under the Old Vine Project, an initiative to preserve and celebrate South Africa’s historic vineyards.

Farming is conducted sustainably, with minimal intervention and a focus on soil health and biodiversity. By sourcing from such a broad range of sites, Mullineux is able to craft wines of remarkable detail, structure, and site expression.

Wine Range of Mullineux

Mullineux produces wines under three primary categories, each reflecting a unique approach to terroir and winemaking. The Signature Range includes the widely acclaimed Old Vines White, a textured, layered blend dominated by Chenin Blanc, and the Mullineux Syrah, known for its plush aromatics, savoury complexity, and mineral backbone. These wines represent the core philosophy of the estate: balance, clarity, and expressive structure.

The Single Terroir Range explores the nuance of specific soil types with bottlings such as Granite Chenin Blanc, Schist Syrah, and Iron Syrah, each vinified and aged separately to articulate the subtle variations of place. These wines are made in very small quantities and have become collector favourites for their precision and ageability.

Finally, Mullineux is celebrated for its Straw Wine, a luscious, intensely concentrated sweet wine made from sun-dried Chenin Blanc grapes. A true benchmark in the style, it reflects the same artisanal ethos as the rest of the portfolio. Under their Leeu Passant label, the team explores historic vineyards in Stellenbosch, Wellington, and Franschhoek, reviving classic Cape blends and traditional techniques with outstanding results.

Did you know?

Andrea Mullineux has served as Chairperson of the Cape Winemakers Guild, a prestigious association of South Africa’s leading winemakers. Under her leadership, Mullineux became the first producer to be awarded Platter’s Winery of the Year four times, a feat unmatched in South African wine history.