2024 Sadie Family Skurfberg

Skurfberg is part of the Citrusdal mountain range, and the name "Skurfberg" (Rugged Mountain) refers primarily to the rugged and rugged appearance of the mountain. The soil consists primarily of decomposed sandstone formations from Table Mountain and is generally very sandy. It's a truly superb location for Chenin, and it's highly unusual for such a warm and dry region to produce wines with this tremendous texture and freshness.

The Skurfberg is a 100% Chenin Blanc, and the grapes are harvested in small 20kg crates and then placed in a cooling room to lower the temperature. We consider this an essential step in the Swartland region, where harvest temperatures often reach 35 degrees Celsius and above. Pressing warm grapes brings with it a number of potential challenges, including premature fermentation and acid loss. The cooling process is followed by whole-bunch pressing. This process takes approximately three hours, during which time the juice settles in the receiving tank. The juice is then transferred to two older barrels where it is left undisturbed until natural fermentation begins. The fermentation process can sometimes take 10 or more days and can last from one to six months, sometimes not until the following spring, when malolactic fermentation is often complete. The wine remains in barrel on the lees for 12 months, and we bottle from the lees.

The combination of the wine's volume and robust acidity creates an incredible wine that is essentially made for longevity. The signature aromas of Granny Smith apple, peach skin, and lanolin are very present. The wine's viscosity and volume, combined with the crisp acidity, suggest this vintage has the potential to age exceptionally well, comparable to Kokerboom.

Eben Sadie : " Please give this wine the time in the bottle; it is good for the time… "

FACT: In the "Attachments" tab, you'll find the official fact sheet for this fine wine. We'll automatically send it to you when you order it. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount . You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pickup" at checkout. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.

About Olifants River

The Olifants River wine region is one of the northernmost wine regions in South Africa's Western Cape. The area stretches for an impressive 145 kilometers, from Lutzville in the north to Citrusdal in the south. Because mesoclimates and soils vary considerably, there are a wide variety of terroirs and a wide range of wines can be produced. Until recently, the only significant wine region in the northern Western Cape was Cederberg, known for its excellent wines from its eponymous estate. But with the growing interest in old, non-irrigated vineyards (initiatives by Rosa Kruger and Eben Sadie), more and more remote areas have fallen under the radar of wine producers. A prime example is Piekenierskloof. Partly due to its location, between 500 and 800 meters above sea level, it is much cooler there than in Citrusdal itself and there is slightly more rainfall, just enough for old 'bosstokke' or bush vines, for example Grenache Noir and Chenin Blanc.