A.A Badenhorst a natural wine for the present and the future

50km north of Cape Town airport, lies a wine region that is fast gaining popularity worldwide. Swartland also known as 'Het Zwarte Land', The black lands. Whispers could be heard from the top echelons of the industry, of a revolution led by young talented winemakers coming from the black lands.

One such uncoventional winemaker, is Adi Badenhorst with his bushy bear and laid back charm. Born to a family of farmers, Adi spread his wings and horned his craft in France and New Zealand at an early age. In 2008, Adi and his cousin Hein started Badenhorst winery. In 10 years, they turned the winery into a force to be reckoned with.

Secateurs Range

Armed with a traditional wine making philosophy and minimalist attitude, they embarked on a natural wine making journey. Wine journals such as wine spectator and wine advocate covered their adventures regularly. Many were astonished, despite owning so little (They had to buy vines from others, bottle their wines at other farms, etc); their wines were so prolific on the nose and on the palate.

" The Secateurs Red blend has a perfumed, peppery and spicy aroma that would go suitably well with chicken Yakitori or Teriyaki Chicken" - Daisuke Kawai (Sommelier)

Their wines often packed a punch, with well balanced tannin, flinty aromas, honey and orange blossom profiles. They weren't without flaws though. Having no irrigation in the vineyards can be challenging in years where the weather either blessed the vineyards with little or too much rain. The vines had to work doubly hard to ensure survival. Those that did survive, had fruits that borne fighting fit characteristics.

"While the Family Red possessed complex red fruits on the nose, with a generous and textured long finish; The grip from the tannin has room for improvement" - Phyllis Yeo (Banker)

Natural wines also meant that consumers could taste the essence of it's origins without being sidetracked by additives or other interventions. The show case of South Africa's best natural wine was perhaps best summed up:

" The wine is smooth, yet unrefined. The evolution in the glass is just intriguing. The Family White profile changes with every passing hour" - Asako (Wine connoisseur) 

Taste the evolution in your glasses here

Have you tried natural wines yet? What do you feel?

Cheers,
Gerard Zhang
CSW, WSET