Swartland
Swartland, located in the warmer northern section of the Coastal Region, north and slightly south of Cape Town, is known as one of the most renowned wine regions of South African. Despite its rugged and somewhat remote terrain, Swartland makes high class wines because of its unique terroir with drought-resistant vines and loose soil.
The best of Swartland Wines
Swartland, located in the warmer northern section of the Coastal Region, north and slightly south of Cape Town, is known as one of the most renowned wine regions of South African. Despite its rugged and somewhat remote terrain, Swartland makes high class wines because of its unique terroir with drought-resistant vines and loose soil.
Swartland is best known for its high quality white wines, particularly from Chenin Blanc, and its red wines from by Syrah. But also various Mediterranean grape varieties and red Rhône blends flourish in Swartland. The region's Syrah is often blended with Grenache and Mourvèdre to create Southern Rhône-style blends, where quality meets the wines produced in its French counterpart.
Other regions
The history of Swartland wines
Swartland Winery wines history goes back to 1948 when it started as the Swartland Co-operative, founded by 15 local farmers in an area named 'The Black Land' (Swartland in Dutch) by Jan van Riebeek (17th century). The co-op was initiated with the donation of 4 hectares of farm, Doornkuil. This winery, located close to Malmesbury, continues to honour its heritage.
Grapes in wines from Swartland
Key grape varieties in Swartland include Shiraz, Chenin Blanc, Grenache, and Pinotage. Notably, the region is known for planting grape varieties that are unique to South Africa, such as Cinsault, Verdelho, and Tinta Barocca. Chenin Blanc.
Chenin Blanc is the country's most planted grape, is expressed in various styles, from sweet to dry to sparkling wines, with old bush-vines contributing powerful tropical flavors.
Swartland's technique, which involved combining Cinsault and Pinot Noir, has helped to reestablish the wine's reputation. And therefore, created the South African grape, Pinotage. Not only has the environment, but also the soil in the area, aided in outstanding fruit growth, resulting in wines with exceptional structure and age potential.
The terroir of Swartland wines
The terroir of Swartland benefits from cool Atlantic Ocean breezes, maintaining multiple microclimates across the vineyards stretching from the Paardeberg mountain in the south to the Piketberg plains in the north. The hot and dry climate, particularly in areas with drought-resistant bush vines, proves advantageous to viticulture. Dry conditions reduce fungal diseases, resulting in lower but more concentrated yields with enhanced fruit flavors.
Wine producers
The classification of Swartland wines
Swartland falls under the Wine of Origin (WO) program in South Africs. Within the Swartland district, several Wards are distinguished by their unique terroir (soil and climate), including Malmesbury, Paaderberg, Paaderberg South, Riebekberg, Riebeksriver, and St Helena Bay.
