Sadie Family Old Vine Series Pofadder Red 2023

Region and Vineyards

The fruit for Pofadder 2023 comes from the Swartland, a warm, dry district north of Cape Town known for its old bush-vine heritage and low-intervention winemaking ethos. The region's Mediterranean climate, marked by hot summers and limited rainfall, naturally restricts yields and encourages deep-rooted vines capable of producing concentrated yet vibrant fruit. On these rolling hills, the combination of abundant sunshine and cooling afternoon breezes supports slow, even ripening, giving wines their distinctive balance of ripeness and freshness.

The Pofadder vineyard is a single parcel in Riebeeksrivier, planted in 1973 on the lower slopes of the Kasteelberg Mountain. Here, decomposed shale and slate dominate the soils, lending the wine its linear profile and unmistakable mineral edge. The vines are dry-farmed bush vines, tended with meticulous attention to preserve soil life and natural balance. The site's moderate elevation and stony structure contribute to small, concentrated berries with delicate aromatics and refined tannins, forming the hallmark of Pofadder's character.

Winemaking

Pofadder 2023 is 100% Cinsault, harvested by hand with rigorous selection to retain only perfectly ripe bunches. The winemaking philosophy prioritises purity and precision: around one-third of the harvest is kept as whole clusters, while the rest is carefully destemmed. The fruit is transferred into an old wooden open fermenter, where natural fermentation begins without inoculation. Gentle foot treading once or twice daily ensures just enough extraction to capture colour and texture while preserving the wine's floral nuance and lightness of touch.

After roughly four weeks on skins, the wine is pressed in a small vertical basket press, a method that offers delicate tannin release. The juice then ages for about 11 months in old, large foudres and conical casks, some nearly three decades old, ensuring no overt oak influence. Throughout élevage, the wine remains undisturbed, allowing natural settling and slow evolution. Bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal sulphur, Pofadder 2023 emerges as a pure, finely etched expression of its site, combining vibrancy, texture and subtle complexity.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale, translucent ruby with a youthful purple hue, signalling both delicacy and vibrancy.
• Aroma: Expressive notes of wild strawberry, cranberry and redcurrant, intertwined with rose petal, white flowers, potpourri, gentle spice and a subtle mineral edge.
• Palate: Silky and medium-bodied, with crunchy red fruit, bright acidity and ultra-fine tannins. A savoury undertone, hints of whole-bunch spice and a saline finish provide remarkable length and precision.

Did you know?

The name Pofadder means "puff adder," a venomous snake native to the Cape region. The vineyard earned this sobriquet after a worker was reportedly fatally bitten there in the 1940s, giving the wine a name as memorable as its character. Today, the site is considered one of the Cape's most emblematic old-vine Cinsault vineyards, showcasing the grape's renaissance in Swartland.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Herb-roasted lamb cutlets: The wine's bright acidity and fine tannins cut through the richness of the lamb while echoing its herbal aromatics.
• Duck breast with cherry glaze: The succulent red fruit in the wine mirrors the glaze, and its delicate structure complements the tenderness of the meat.
• Charcoal-grilled tuna steak: The wine's savoury and mineral notes pair beautifully with the meaty texture of tuna and light smokiness from the grill.
• Wild mushroom risotto: Earthy flavours resonate with the wine's subtle savouriness, while its freshness lifts the dish's creamy texture.

History of The Sadie Family Wines

Established in 1999, The Sadie Family Wines emerged as a trailblazer in South African winemaking under the guidance of Eben Sadie, a winemaker whose passion for expressing the unique terroirs of the Swartland has reshaped the industry. After gaining experience in prestigious wineries in South Africa and Europe, Eben returned to his homeland with a vision to produce wines that authentically reflect the land. His inaugural vintage of Columella, a refined red blend, debuted in 2000 and quickly established a new standard for South African wine.

In 2002, Eben introduced Palladius, a white blend that showcased his skill in crafting complex, textured wines. His commitment to showcasing the potential of South Africa’s old vines has been a defining element of his philosophy. Over the years, the winery has expanded its focus to include the Old Vine Series, a collection of single-vineyard wines made from vines aged 40 to over 100 years, preserving the viticultural heritage of the region. Eben’s pioneering spirit and dedication to quality have earned him numerous awards, including recognition as one of the world’s most influential winemakers.

In addition to producing world-class wines, Eben Sadie has been instrumental in redefining South Africa’s identity as a wine-producing nation. His commitment to showcasing the potential of old vines and unique vineyard sites has not only preserved historic vineyards but also inspired a resurgence of interest in the Swartland region. Eben’s work has had a ripple effect, influencing other winemakers to prioritize sustainability, terroir expression, and low-intervention techniques.

A major turning point in the estate’s history came with the development of the Old Vine Series, launched in the mid-2000s. These wines were crafted from ancient vineyards that had been overlooked or abandoned, featuring grapes such as Chenin Blanc, Grenache, and Semillon Gris. Each wine in the series tells a story of a specific site and its unique terroir, reinforcing Eben’s dedication to protecting South Africa’s viticultural heritage. This collection has been widely praised for its depth, authenticity, and ability to express the characteristics of the Swartland.

Eben Sadie’s international experience, including work in Spain’s Priorat region, significantly shaped his winemaking philosophy. His time abroad reinforced his belief in the importance of respecting nature and nurturing a sense of place in every bottle. Today, Sadie Family remains a global ambassador for the quality and complexity of South African wines, with its releases highly sought after by collectors and wine lovers alike.

Region and Vineyards

The Sadie Family’s vineyards are located in the Swartland, a dynamic and diverse region in South Africa known for its Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The terroir is defined by a mix of shale, granite, and sandy soils, offering a variety of conditions that allow for the cultivation of both red and white grape varieties. These natural attributes provide the foundation for wines with richness, depth, and vibrant acidity.

A significant focus of the estate is on old bush vines, some exceeding a century in age. These vines, deeply rooted and naturally low-yielding, produce grapes of remarkable intensity and complexity. By employing organic and biodynamic farming practices, The Sadie Family Wines ensures that the vineyards are farmed sustainably, enhancing the health of the vines and the surrounding ecosystem. The Swartland's natural beauty and Eben’s stewardship have transformed the region into a haven for artisanal winemaking.

Wine Range of Sadie Family

Sadie Family offers a portfolio that reflects the diversity and potential of the Swartland region:

• Columella: The estate’s flagship red blend, primarily Syrah and Mourvèdre, renowned for its elegance, complexity, and aging potential.
• Palladius: A sophisticated white blend incorporating varieties like Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc, and Viognier, celebrated for its richness and balance.
• Old Vine Series: A tribute to South Africa’s viticultural history, featuring single-vineyard wines from historic plots, including Skurfberg, Kokerboom, and Mev. Kirsten, each expressing its unique terroir.

Each wine is crafted with minimal intervention, allowing the natural characteristics of the grapes and vineyards to shine.

Did You Know?

Eben Sadie is a founding member of the Swartland Independent Producers, an association dedicated to promoting the Swartland’s terroir and championing sustainable farming practices. The collective has been instrumental in positioning the Swartland as one of South Africa’s most exciting wine regions.