David & Nadia
“David & Nadia” is a small winery located in Swartland. Its philosophy is rooted in old vines, granite, and an unwavering belief that “South African wines reveal their best qualities when they are fresh, dry, and unpretentious.” Husband and wife David and Nadia Sadie jointly manage viticulture and winemaking at the “Paardebosch” farm in Paardeberg, producing wines from Chenin Blanc, Grenache, as well as several blends that are gradually becoming the benchmark for this region.
A new beginning at Paardeberg
David and Nadia Sadie met while studying at Stellenbosch University. He majored in viticulture and winemaking, and she majored in soil science and viticulture. They got married in 2009, and the following year, while still working at other wineries, they produced their first wine. In 2013, David switched to working full time on his own project. In 2016, Nadia finally joined him, and the whole family, including their two sons and a Staffordshire bull terrier named “Tarzan”, settled down at the Paardebosch farm. This very cellar holds a piece of Swartland’s history, as it was previously used by Andrea and Chris Mullineux before they moved to Roundstone Farm.
Paardebosch and the growers around it
David and Nadia manage farmland with a total area of about 20 hectares. Their own vineyard in Paardebosch covers 16 hectares; it features low-yielding vines planted in wide rows, which provide about half of the required harvest volume. They source the rest of their grapes from producers in the Swartland region, carefully selecting them based on the age of the old bush vines and specific soil types. The wines “Hoë-Steen,” “Skaliekop,” “Platbos,” and “Ronde Vlei”, single-varietal wines made from the Chenin grape, are produced from grapes grown on these leased or contract plots, and each possesses its own unique character. Nadia oversees the vineyards, she uses organic farming methods and plants cover crops between the rows. In addition, she is transitioning part of the farm to certified organic farming.
Granite, shale and a warm region
The soil in Paardebosch is granitic. This is a brief description, but it is very important. After all, this is how David describes the Chenin Blanc grown on this soil: “Restrained and mineral, with salty nuances and distinct freshness.” Skaliekop is different. The soil here contains more clay and shale, and the Chenin Blanc produced here is characterized by bright notes of yellow fruit, a more complex texture, and a dense structure due to phenolic compounds reminiscent of peach skin. Although this is a vineyard where it is difficult to grow grapes, David likes it, and this natural tension is reflected in the wine. The Swartland is a warm region, which has its challenges. David’s approach involves harvesting early, producing a completely dry wine, and emphasizing texture through the use of lees rather than through sweetness or excessive extraction. Old vines also play a role. He says that it is precisely the salinity imparted by old vines that is the essence of this style.
Concrete, old oak, nothing loud
David & Nadia's philosophy is based on “minimal intervention,” which nevertheless pursues a clear goal. Natural yeasts are used, and the addition of yeast and sugar adjustments are completely avoided so as not to distort the flavor inherent to the soil in any way. About 60% of the white wine in each vintage over the past 5-6 years has been aged in concrete tanks. The oak barrels are old French ones, mostly with a capacity of 500 liters. New barrels are not used at all. David clearly explains the reason for this. The fact is that new barrels draw moisture from the wine and force it to take on a style that he does not want to create. Red wines are produced according to the same principle. In particular, Grenache is not produced in a style with powerful extract, but rather with the aim of preserving a delicate and balanced flavor. David believes that Grenache is the red wine best suited to the hot climate of the Swartland. Compared to other varieties, it doesn’t require as much moisture, is highly resistant to drought, and its large berries help preserve freshness.
The range
The wine portfolio produced by David & Nadia consists of two main categories, Chenin Blanc and Grenache Noir, as well as two types of blended wines. The Chenin Blanc range includes a wide variety of wines: from the regional “David & Nadia Chenin Blanc,” crafted from a blend of grapes from several Swartland vineyards, to four single-vineyard wines that fully showcase the characteristics of each specific soil type: - Hoë-Steen Chenin Blanc - Skaliekop Chenin Blanc - Platbos Chenin Blanc - Ronde Vlei Chenin Blanc In the red wine lineup, Grenache Noir is positioned as a single-varietal wine. In addition, the range includes two types of blended wines. “Aristargos” is a white field blend based on Chenin Blanc, complemented by other white varieties of Mediterranean origin, while “Elpidios” is a red field blend based on Grenache and other red varieties from the Swartland region.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns David & Nadia?
David and Nadia Sadie, the husband-and-wife team who founded the project in 2010. They lease the Paardebosch farm and the cellar long-term, with an eye on eventually buying.
Where in South Africa is David & Nadia based?
On Paardebosch Farm in the Paardeberg, within the Swartland region, north of Cape Town. The cellar is the same one the Mullineuxes used before moving to Roundstone Farm.
What is David & Nadia best known for?
Chenin Blanc from old bush vines, especially the single-vineyard bottlings from different Swartland soils. The Grenache Noir has built a strong following alongside it.
Are the wines organic?
Nadia farms biologically, no herbicides, cover crops, and has been converting parts of the operation to organics. Grower-sourced fruit is harder to control, so the estate stops short of a blanket organic claim.
