Rall | Grenache Blanc | 2021
Rall | Grenache Blanc | 2021
Winemaker Donovan Rall says the idea behind this wine has always been to make a wine that reflects the fresher and lighter side of this variety which can sometimes be a little more full bodied. Not as well known as its noir relative, Grenache, the grapes for this Grenache White come from dry-farmed bush vines at an altitude of 620 metres in Piekenierskloof, with the addition (in 2021) of one 500L barrel from grapes grown in Swartlard, which adds structure from the schist soils. The grapes are picked in 2 stages and only fermented and matured in concrete eggs and clay amphora to ensure nothing but the vineyard, place, and variety are expressed in the final product. Like the other white wines in the range, the grapes are whole-bunch pressed and transferred without settling straight to the vessels for fermentation. 8 months on the lees in the eggs gives lovely texture before bottling without any heavy filtration.
Nose & Palate
Notes of zesty citrus. Lees aging gives a bit of grip and savoury flavours on the palate.
Pairing
A versatile food wine, try herb rubbed chicken or pork chops. It’ll also hold up with rich dishes and a bit of spice.
Accolades
4 1/2 Stars (93 points) - Platter’s 2023 SA Wine Guide
94 points - Tim Atkin 2022 SA Wine Report
About the Winemaker
Donovan Rall is an independent winemaker who’s been at the vanguard of the small batch winemaking revolution that has taken South Africa by storm.
After studying viticulture and oenology at the University of Stellenbosch and gaining winemaking experience in Europe and New Zealand, Donovan returned to South Africa and spent a vintage working for renown winemaker Eben Sadie. He developed a strong passion for the Swartland and the varietals that thrived in this warmer climate, eventually deciding to start his own label in 2008 with a focus on these grapes. Since then he's been making waves in the South African wine industry, producing extraordinary minimal intervention wines, vintage after vintage, and this one could be his best yet.
