2022 Swartberg Wingerde Miracle Bush White

The Piekenierskloof takes its name from the Dutch soldiers known as the "piqneniers" (pikemen), who were sent to the "Groote Clooff" during the Second Khoi-Dutch War in 1673 to protect convoys crossing this mountain pass. A rugged wilderness with exposed rock formations, the gnarled bushvines of this region include Grenache noir vines, which are said to have been planted on the Piekenierskloof plateau as early as the early 18th century. Legend has it that Napoleon Bonaparte, during his exile on the island of St. Helena in the early 19th century, drank a sweet wine made from these Grenache noir vines. A unique terroir of dry farming at an altitude of 550-750 meters above sea level and the cold, harsh maritime influence of the west coast shape these distinctive wines.

The Swartberg Wingerde wines are made by Rudiger Gretschel, known as Production Director at Vinimark (including Boekenhoutskloof, Franschhoek) and winemaker at Reyneke (Stellenbosch). Rudiger has now also produced wine under his own label after nearly 20 years of searching for the most suitable plots in Piekenierskloof.

The Miracle Bush White is a blend of 47% Chenin Blanc, 40% Grenache Blanc, and 13% Palomino. The Piekenierskloof region boasts some of the oldest and most exquisite Palomino vineyards in all of South Africa. This particular Palomino vineyard was planted in 1965. With its inherently low acidity, the grapes can be picked early to create a fresh wine with an intense floral aroma. The Grenache Blanc is picked at a later stage to develop the backbone and adds richness, depth, and complexity. The Chenin Blanc focuses the final blend with its robust acidity and minerality. These vineyards are all bush vines. Harvested by hand, the grapes are chilled overnight in a cold room. All grapes are pressed whole bunch and lightly settled overnight before spontaneous fermentation begins. The Chenin Blanc is fermented and aged for 9 months in new 225-litre Mittelberger oak barriques. The Grenache Blanc is fermented and aged in clay amphorae, while the Palomino is aged

The Miracle Bush truly lives up to its name and is an absolute beauty. This white blend is vibrant with a floral nose. Complex, as with age, beautiful layers emerge. Besides flowers, white and yellow fruit, we also smell mineral notes and, in the farthest reaches, some oxidative notes, reminiscent of a white Châteauneuf du Pape or a white Rioja. This is a very harmonious wine with great depth of flavor, with aromas of anise and pear on the palate, again with a lovely minerality.

FACT: Only a few thousand bottles of Swartberg Wingerde wines are made in total and the Dutch Allocation is very minimal