ROTSBANK 2025: Chenin blanc in weathered granite on a shallow granite shelf.

Rotsbank, "rock shelf," is grown on exactly that: a rock shelf in the Paardeberg's Aprilskloof, where vines survive on barely 30 to 50cm of soil and force their roots into cracks in the rock below. The Sadie family had wanted to make a Swartland Chenin Blanc since 2008, an ambition finally realised once they were able to purchase this vineyard.

Grapes are cooled after harvest, then whole bunch pressed, with the juice settling before moving to two old foudres for fermentation. The wine ages 12 months on its fermentation lees in cask, with about 60ppm sulphur added roughly two weeks before bottling. Concentrated, intense fruit is the hallmark of this hard working, low soil site. Yield: 32 hl/ha.

Tasting Notes: Intensely mineral, with a salty, gunflint edge and the taut, "blue steel" character that defines this site. The 2025 shows a touch more concentration and viscosity than usual, while staying linear and restrained. Give it space and air in the glass to open up fully.

Food Pairing: Oysters, sushi and sashimi, grilled calamari, or a simple lemon dressed seafood salad; the wine's salinity and precision are built for the ocean. Concentrated mineral and saline notes, gunflint character, and linear acidity make it ideal with smoked trout, grilled mackerel, or charred asparagus. Its viscosity and “blue steel” orientation of Chenin Blanc pair well with sushi, cured meats, and salt‑baked vegetables, offering a precise yet powerful complement to smoky, oily, and saline flavors. This wine’s intensity rewards dishes that emphasize purity and texture, making it a striking partner for bold yet refined cuisine.

ANALYSIS: ALC 14.0% | TA 5.7g/L | pH 3.30 | RS 1.6g/L