2021 Elpidios David & Nadia Swartland

David & Nadia is a family-owned winery, run by the eponymous husband and wife team. They focus on organic, old, and dry land bush vines in various different areas of the region, and their wines express the unique terroir of Swartland. They are members of the Swartland Independent Producers group and aim to keep their winemaking process as natural as possible. The couple’s attention to detail, thoughtful and sensitive approach to viticulture and winemaking has secured their reputation as the shining stars of Swartland.

The estate produces a superb collection of stunning wines and the ‘Elpidios’ is no exception.

‘Elpidios’ is a Mediterranean inspired blend (Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and Cinsault), but which also includes a portion of Pinotage. The grapes undergo a long, gentle period of extraction, with 50% of grapes kept as whole bunches for the duration before pressing into foudre (large oak casks) and old French oak barrels. The wine is matured for a year prior to bottling and is released from the cellars at least a year after that. On the nose, aromatics of fynbos, mint leaf, and forest floor – complemented by notes of red and black berries. The palate is dense with dark fruit and firm tannins and could even be described as a little rustic. This would be delicious with a rich and autumnal aubergine stew, with generous helpings of crusty bread and salted butter.