Sadie Family Swartland Skerpioen 2024

Sadie Family Swartland Skerpioen is a co-fermented Chenin Blanc and Palomino from a 90-year-old coastal vineyard.

Scorpions gave the place its name, and the vineyard is as austere as that suggests: 2.4 hectares of dry-grown vines on sandy, chalky ground, two kilometres from the Atlantic above Elands Bay, in one of the coolest and driest parts of the Swartland. Eben Sadie likens the soil to the albariza of Andalucia, home ground for Palomino, which takes half the planting. With rainfall around 300mm, yields sit near 26 hectolitres per hectare, and that scarcity is what pushes the salinity so far forward in the glass.

Light, taut and properly salty, with citrus pith, green almond and a chalky, drying finish. Serve it at 10 degrees. Oysters and a squeeze of lemon, or grilled sardines, salt cod fritters and cured ham.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.