Palomino Piekenierskloof 2022

Located in the remote Piekenierskloof region north of Cape Town, the vineyard for this cuvée thrives on a high plateau swept by cool Atlantic winds. The old Palomino vines are planted in poor but well-drained sandy and granitic soils, which naturally limit yields. This terroir, with its relatively cool climate for the region, allows the grapes to ripen slowly, preserving vibrant acidity and a subtle aromatic expression marked by a saline character and great fruit purity.

This wine reveals notes of ripe citrus , yellow apple , and fresh pear , complemented by delicate floral touches and a subtle saline and mineral dimension. Discreet nuances of hazelnut and toast add further complexity without overpowering the profile. On the palate, the texture is ample yet taut , supported by precise acidity, a slightly chalky sensation, and a long, dry, and mouthwatering finish that underscores the maritime character of the terroir.

The first grape vines were planted in South Africa by Dutch settlers in the 1650s, although wine production did not really take off until the arrival of French Protestants in the 1680s with their skills and knowledge of viticulture. Stellenbosch is also a historic wine region, with the first vineyards being planted there in the 1690s. Today, South Africa is one of the most important wine producing countries in the Southern Hemisphere. With over 300 years of winemaking history, it is often described as a bridge between the Old and New Worlds. The majority of wines are produced using New World winemaking techniques, but they often share more in common stylistically with their Old World counterparts. Since the end of apartheid, South African wine has received international attention and acclaim for its wide variety of styles. South Africa's wine industry is spread across the lush and rugged landscape of the Western Cape. Here, the abundance of mountains, valleys and plateaus allows winemakers to produce a wide variety of styles. Vineyards are also found in the Orange River region of the Northern Cape, where the flat, arid landscape is dominated by the Kalahari Desert. Most of South Africa's wine regions have a Mediterranean climate, heavily influenced by the meeting of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The country's signature grape variety is Pinotage, an indigenous cross of Pinot Noir and Cinsault that is rarely found in quantity in other wine-producing countries. Shiraz (Syrah) is also widely planted, as are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (often combined in a Bordeaux blend). South African Chardonnay, Chenin and Sauvignon Blanc have become popular internationally in recent years.