2021 Swartberg Winegarde, Holism, Palomino

Fans of South African wines will know Rudiger Gretschel in his previous roles as cellar master at Boekenhoutskloof, Krone and Reyneke Wines. This is the first vintage from his new venture in Piekerneerskloof mountains, a combination of rough wilderness, magnified by its altitude and the proximity to the wild West Coast of the Atlantic Ocean.

The grapes comes from old Palomino vines that are dry farmed and have never been irrigated and suit the rugged terrain perfectly. Grapes are hand harvested and whole bunch pressed before fermentation in oak foudres and clay amphorae.

The resulting wine has delicate floral aromas, richer than one would expect from Palomino but still fresh and with a smooth mouthfeel and refreshing salinity on the finish.