Grenache

Grenache pairs beautifully with game birds, slow roasted pork or lamb, hearty lamb and beef stews, braised lamb shanks, and robust, strong cheeses.

The winter of 2022 was fairly typical. Spring brought favourable conditions, with less rain and wind in October and November, creating an ideal environment for flowering. As a result, we achieved a healthy yield of 3.8 tons per hectare from our 20-year-old vines. Rain in December increased the risk of downy mildew, and continued rainfall in February kept us busy managing potential infections. Fortunately, our Grenache thrived during the cool spell in February, which extended the hang time and enhanced phenolic ripeness. We were able to harvest fully ripe grapes at optimal maturity towards the end of March.

The wine was then matured for 10 months in second- and third-fill French oak barrels.

Only a small batch of 4 tons was produced in an open-top fermenter. Half of the grapes were destemmed, while the other half was left as whole bunches and gently crushed by foot — a hands-on effort by the cellar team. Fermentation took place with selected Rhône yeast strains at temperatures between 22–26°C, with punch-downs performed twice daily.

Strandveld Vineyards lies between Elim and Cape Agulhas, just 9km from the sea, shaped by strong winds, cool temperatures, and a maritime climate. Its unique terroir of coastal conditions and diverse soils gives the wines their distinctive character. Inspired by early explorers, the vineyards were established in 2001 by pioneers drawn to this rugged, promising landscape.