The Swartland region is in the Western Cape of South Africa and begins about 50 km north of Cape Town. Often referred to as the "Land of Wheat and Wine" due to the golden yellow wheat fields that reach the foot of the mountains it takes its name from the indigenous and prolific renoster shrubs which turn black after rain. This is arable land and is particularly suited to untrellised bush vines which, in the case of the Chenin Blanc variety, adds a further level of concentration and flavour, due to low yields. Pinotage is also a big player in this area and is making inroads on the tobacco plantations which are being converted into vineyard sites.
The history of Swartland Winery dates back to 1948 when the Swartland Co-operative was founded by 15 member farmers in the Swartland region.
Today Swartland Winery is one of the top 10 co-operative cellars in South Africa, producing approximately 23 000 tons of grapes per annum. And the members' farms extend for a 22 km radius in the hills surrounding Malmesbury, covering roughly 3,200 hectares.
Once harvesting is complete, the member farmers deliver their produce to the Winery, where it is tested, graded and separated into cultivars in large receiving bins. From here they are destalked and then undergo drainage and purification before the juices are transferred to fermentation tanks where appropriate yeast strains are added. The must in the tanks is tested regularly and once fermentation has reached the correct levels, the process is stopped. Selected cultivars are then transferred to wooden vats for maturation. This all happens in Swartland Winery's cellar which is being upgraded at present.
Their Chenin Blanc is ripe and tangy with a crisp acidity. It's highly refreshing and makes the ideal aperitif.
[ Email us ] 