Wolf and Woman | Grenache Blanc | 2020
Wolf and Woman | Grenache Blanc | 2020
We were first introduced to this seriously under-rated grape variety with the Rall Grenache Blanc (which we love) and so naturally when we heard about this one from Jolandie Fouché, we were intrigued. When Jolandie talks about Swartland wines, she likes to call them “Sunshine in a bottle” - for us this Grenache Blanc fits this metaphor perfectly. The golden colour, the fresh yellow fruits on the nose and such a clean, vibrant mouthfeel, we can’t think of a better way of describing it. The grapes are sourced from a single vineyard in Voor-Paardeberg that benefits from the cooling South Westerly wind, extending the growing season and creating brilliant acidity and flavour development in the grapes. Such an elegant wine, it’s hard to believe this is the first release - we can’t wait to see what the following vintages have in store!
Nose and Palate
Aromas of floral, citrus and peach on the nose. Wonderfully concentrated juicy fruit on the palate underpinned by a wet stone minerality and a mouth coating texture that ends in a bright acidity.
Pairing
Ramen (just don’t add too much heat), seafood paella.
Accolades
94 Points - Tim Atkin MW
About the Producer
Wolf & Woman is the result of a lifetime’s love for the Swartland. Winemaker Jolandie Fouché was raised among the vines in the Swartland where as a kid she used to pick grapes and work on the farms for pocket money. Her passion developed through school and university where she studied agriculture and started working at wineries. After spending over a decade winemaking in South Africa, Australia and California she started Wolf and Woman to focus her passion for Swartland wines and received immediate acclaim for her first release. Like all of our independent winemakers, Jolandie has a hands-off approach when it comes to winemaking, placing more emphasis on sourcing quality grapes that meet the vision for her wines.
As for the name? Jolandie’s husband came home one day with a quote he said reminded him of her, it read: “Some days I am more wolf than woman and I am still learning how to stop apologizing for my wild.”
