2017 Sadie Family Chenin Blanc Skurfberg

Sadie Family winery is one of South Africa’s most compelling winemaking stories. The Swartland estate was founded in 1999 by Eben Sadie, a former surfer who learned winemaking by working in vineyards and cellars in most of world’s major wine regions. Outspoken, opinionated, original and generally admired, he is one of South Africa’s few celebrity winemakers. Sadie’s 59 acres are planted to red and white Rhone grapes and Spanish and Italian varieties. He has also salvaged vineyards that were planted up to 60 years ago, using the old vine fruit for various blends. The rugged Swartland is known for a dizzying number of microclimates, and Sadie is famous for his attention to the nuances of terroir, and for his biodynamic, hand-off approach to winemaking. Annual production is limited to about 3,800 cases. Though he makes many wines, his two most acclaimed are Columella, a red Rhone blend, and Palladius, a white blend. Sadie’s wines win rave reviews. His 2005 Columella was the first South African wine to earn what the reviewing industry calls a “classic” rating, meaning a rating of at least 95 pts. Wine Spectator gave the 2005 Columella 95 pts and added this: “Despite its concentration, this is remarkably elegant, with superb length and a seamless finish. Welcome to the majors, South Africa.”

This light-bodied white wine grape has zest and versatility depending on its style. It is grown extensively in South Africa, where wineries produce dry wines. Traditional French Chenin Blancs are sweet. It is closest to Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc.