A.A. Badenhorst Kalmoesfontein White Blend 2023

A.A. Badenhorst Kalmoesfontein White Blend

Region: Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa

Vintage: 2023

Bottle size: 75cl

Grape: Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Vedelho, Viognier, Muscat d`Alexandria, Palomino, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Hárslevelu, Marsanne

ABV: 14%

The nose offers complex aromas of perfume, spice, tea, stone fruit, and citrus blossom. The palate is textured and ripe, with gentle tannins, impressive length, and a layered profile of mineral and stone fruit flavours.

The Kalmoesfontein White Blend is sourced from small parcels of bush vine vineyards on Kalmoesfontein and Jakkalsfontein farms in the Paardeberg region of Swartland. These vineyards, many 35 years and older, are rooted in granite soils and reflect their shared sense of place. Dry land farming and vine age contribute to the wine’s concentration, texture, and authenticity.

Different varieties are hand-harvested from multiple vineyard blocks on the same day, with all fruit cooled overnight in a refrigerated room. The following day, the grapes are pressed together, meaning the blend is created in the vineyard. Fermentation is natural, and after completion, the vessels are topped and the wine is aged for approximately 20 months in old French oak foudres and 500-litre barriques, allowing for gentle development and integration.

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.