A.A. Badenhorst Kalmoesfontein Red Blend 2022

A.A. Badenhorst Kalmoesfontein Red Blend

Region: Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa

Vintage: 2022

Bottle size: 75cl

Grape: Shiraz, Grenache, Mataro, Cinsault, Tinta Barroca

ABV: 14%

Brooding aromas of black cherries, pepper, liquorice and perfume. The palate is dense and layered, with notes of lavender and dark berry fruit. The finish is dry and savoury, supported by well-distributed tannins and lingering blackcurrant character.

The grapes for Kalmoesfontein Red Blend are sourced from small parcels on Kalmoesfontein and Jakkalsfontein farms, located in the Paardeberg region of Swartland. These comprise bush vines planted mostly over 20 years ago on granite soils. The maturity of the vines and the dry land farming approach contribute to the wine’s depth, structure and character.

All vineyard parcels are hand-harvested together on the same day, sorted in the vineyard, and cooled overnight in a refrigerated room. The following day, the grapes are transferred to concrete and wooden fermentation vessels. Around 40% of the fruit is destemmed, and minimal sulphur is added. Whole bunches are foot stomped to release juice and initiate natural fermentation. Fermentation is carried out with twice-daily pigeage, and the grapes in closed concrete tanks remain on their skins for three to six months before pressing. This extended maceration builds texture, tannin integration, and aromatic complexity.

Neal Martin describes Adi Badenhorst as someone who “epitomises the carefree spirit that pervades the [Swartland] region”, a phrase that still doesn’t do justice to a man whose personality is as characterful as the wines he makes. Adi founded A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines in the Paardeberg with his cousin Hein in 2008. He is a champion of attentive farming and minimal intervention winemaking to convey an authentic expression of the Swartland in his wines.