Holism Palomino 2022 is Rudiger Gretschel’s dry white wine from the sherry grape, Palomino which tastes of apples, pears with almond and citrus notes. This wine was a Decanter magazine’s Editor’s Pick in June 2024; they said “An original: snap it up before I do.”

Tasting Notes: Crafted from old‑vine Palomino at the foot of the Swartberg Mountain, this organic, minimally‑intervention wine shows remarkable clarity and freshness. The nose opens with crisp apple, conference pear, and white peach, lifted by a subtle touch of pineapple and almond. On the palate, it is medium to full‑bodied yet strikingly crisp, with layers of citrus, gentle spice, and a hint of toffee, all carried by a refreshing saline edge that defines Palomino still wines. Unlike its sherry counterpart, this expression is fruit‑forward and vibrant, reminiscent of Chenin Blanc but cleaner and more linear. The finish lingers with a delicate interplay of stone fruit, almond, and mineral salinity, making it both distinctive and highly food‑friendly.

Food Pairing: Best served with grilled seafood, fresh fish, and soft cheeses. This dry, crisp South African white wine features a refreshing sea-salt finish, citrus notes, and a smooth texture. Fish and Seafood: Grilled crayfish, pan-fried fish, and fresh oysters. Vegetables and Starters: Artichokes, tofu, light green salads, and canapés. Cheese and Pâté: Creamy goat's cheese, soft cow's milk cheeses, and smooth fish pâtés

“Winemaker Rudiger Gretschel is production director at South African giant Vinimark, the country’s biggest independent wine wholesaler, and also cellar master at top names Reyneke and Krone. But when we met in London recently, it was his personal project Swartberg Wingerde that grabbed my attention. Vines are planted at the foot of Swartberg mountain in rugged Piekerneerskloof in the Western Cape, an area better known for its citrus and rooibos tea farms. Gretschel joyfully explained that the estate, a place of untamed natural beauty, is off-grid, with no mains electricity. The wines reflect this unique place… But it was the Holism range, made with Spanish grapes, that knocked my socks off… the Holism Palomino 2022 made from dry-farmed vines planted in 1964, is distinctively delicious with its mix of floral, herbal, citrus, mineral and salty notes. An original: snap it up before I do.” One of the Editor’s Picks – Decanter – June 2024