Sadie Family Palladius 2020

Region and Vineyards

The Swartland, north of Cape Town, is a warm, dry region receiving about 500 mm of annual rainfall. Atlantic breezes and wide diurnal ranges preserve acidity and slow ripening. Soils are poor and diverse—decomposed granite, shale, and Table Mountain sandstone dominate, with pockets of chalk. The area's hallmark is its old, dry-farmed bush vines, yielding naturally low quantities of concentrated fruit. Since the early 2000s, Swartland has become South Africa's avant-garde of terroir-driven wines, largely through the vision of Eben Sadie.

Palladius 2020 draws fruit from 17 vineyards: 14 on Paardeberg, 1 on Piketberg, and 2 near St Helena Bay. Granite delivers linearity and lift; sandstone and schist add volume and breadth; the maritime sites contribute a saline edge. These low-fertility soils of granite, sandstone, and chalk combine to produce a white of texture, brightness, and geological expression—a mosaic of energy and depth unique to Swartland.

Winemaking

Harvested by hand and cooled overnight, the fruit is whole-bunch pressed for 2-3 hours with minimal settling. The turbid juice is transferred to 725 L concrete eggs and 400-1,200 L clay amphorae for spontaneous fermentation at around 18 °C. Each vineyard's must is always returned to the same vessel each year, some fermentations lasting up to 18 months, preserving vineyard identity.

The wine spends 12 months on gross lees in amphorae and concrete, then a further 12 months in large, neutral foudres before bottling, unfined and unfiltered. The 2020 blend includes Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Clairette Blanche, Viognier, Verdelho, Roussanne, Marsanne, Sémillon Gris, Sémillon Blanc, Palomino, and Colombard. Key metrics: 14% alc., pH 3.3, TA 5.7 g/L, RS 2.2 g/L, yield 28 hL/ha. This patient élevage in inert, large-volume vessels enhances textural depth and emphasizes the wine's saline-mineral precision.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale straw with green reflections; exceptional brightness after 24 months' élevage.
• Aroma: Lime cordial, citrus peel, and wet stone; layered with white stone fruit, beeswax, and subtle herbal tones.
• Palate: Firm phenolic structure, tightly coiled acidity; lemon, white peach, mandarin; saline tension, vibrant texture, long sapid finish.

Did You Know?

The name Palladius honors Palladius Rutilius Taurus Aemilianus, a Roman agronomist of the 4th-5th century CE, author of Opus agriculturae. It mirrors Columella, Sadie's red wine, named after another classical viticultural writer.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• West Coast lobster with lemon butter: the wine's saline line and bright acidity lift the richness of the dish.
• Roast chicken with tarragon and fennel: herbal and aniseed notes echo the wine's citrus and subtle phenolic texture.
• Cape Malay spiced line fish: gentle spices highlight the fruit purity; acidity refreshes, and grip balances oiliness.
• Aged goat's cheese tart: creamy depth balanced by freshness and mineral persistence.

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.