Sadie Family Old Vine Series Treinspoor 2024

Region and Vineyards

Treinspoor comes from Swartland, near Malmesbury, one of South Africa's most compelling regions for old-vine, low-yielding reds. The area's warm, dry conditions and naturally restrained bush vines allow fruit to ripen fully while preserving a firm, savoury structure. This vineyard sits beside the old railway line, or treinspoor, giving the wine its name and a vivid sense of place.

The site is planted on an alluvial plain with sandstone, granite and quartz formations, a soil mix that supports depth, mineral tension and compact tannin. Tinta Barocca can suffer from sunburn because of its fragile, thin skin, but here the old bush-vine framework shelters the bunches from the intense Swartland sun. The result is a red that feels deeply rooted, dark-fruited, spicy and architectural, with the grape's natural tannic authority fully expressed.

Winemaking

Sadie Family Treinspoor 2024 is made from Tinta Barocca, also known in South Africa as Tinta das Baroccas. The fermentation uses 30% whole clusters and 70% destemmed fruit, a careful balance that builds aromatic lift without overloading the wine's naturally abundant tannins. Fermentation lasts around 25 to 30 days before pressing in an old basket press.

Extraction is deliberately gentle, with bucket-overs only, because Tinta Barocca can become severe if handled too forcefully. After pressing, the wine is transferred to 45-year-old conical wooden casks that do not add overt oak flavour. It spends 11 months on the lees, then one further month in concrete to settle before bottling from fine lees. Alcohol is 13.5%, with 1.4 g/L residual sugar, pH 3.5 and total acidity of 5.6 g/L.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep purple-ruby, vivid and concentrated, with the lifted brightness of a young, tightly wound Swartland red.
• Aroma: Graphite, dried fig, dark plum and pencil lead open the nose, followed by violets, thyme, liquorice, fennel, blackberries, cranberries and subtle earthy spice.
• Palate: Dry, dense and firmly structured, with compact dark fruit, savoury herbs, graphite and layered tannins. The finish is long, mineral, spicy and persistent, built more for patience than immediate generosity.

Did you know?

Treinspoor takes its name from the old railway line beside the vineyard. More importantly, it has helped redefine Tinta Barocca in South Africa, turning a grape historically associated with fortified styles into a serious, terroir-driven Swartland red with striking ageing potential.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Braised beef cheeks with rosemary: The wine's firm tannins and dark fruit meet the richness of slow-cooked beef, while herbal notes echo the rosemary.
• Chargrilled lamb chops with thyme and garlic: The savoury spice, violet lift and compact structure work beautifully with lamb's natural sweetness and smoky edges.
• Venison loin with juniper jus: Game brings out the wine's graphite, fig and wild-herb tones, while the acidity keeps the pairing fresh.
• Mushroom and black lentil ragout: Earthy mushrooms and lentils mirror the wine's mineral, savoury depth without overwhelming its aromatic precision.

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.