A rare piece of Cape viticultural history, reimagined.

Swerwer Rooi-Groen Semillon 2023 captures the unique character of an old Swartland vine variety through the hands of winemaker Jasper Wickens. Made from the rare Semillon Gris mutation, known locally as “Rooi-Groen” or Red-Green, the wine is sourced from cuttings taken from a historic 1963 vineyard, helping preserve a fascinating part of South Africa’s viticultural heritage.

The 2023 vintage has remarkable concentration and a shimmering copper-gold hue, the result of gentle skin contact. Made with a minimal-intervention approach, it sits somewhere between a traditional white wine and something more textural and wild, combining purity and precision with savoury complexity.

Tasting notes: Ripe nectarine and white peach lead into layers of wild honey, orange peel and subtle ginger spice. Coriander and mineral flint add an intriguing savoury edge, while the lightly tannic structure gives the wine a gentle grip and remarkable texture. Broad and concentrated on the palate, it finishes long with lingering stone fruit, citrus peel and a subtle mineral character. Complex, slightly edgy and wonderfully expressive.

Food pairing: A versatile partner for dishes with aromatic spices, smoky flavours and a touch of richness. Cape Malay Curry: The wine’s stone fruit, ginger and savoury character work beautifully with fragrant spices and creamy sauces. Grilled Halloumi: Its texture and gentle tannic grip balance the salty, charred richness of the cheese. Roast Chicken with Herbs: The wine’s ripe fruit and mineral freshness complement golden, herb-crusted chicken without overpowering it. Charred Aubergine: Smoky, savoury aubergine brings out the wine’s earthy and mineral nuances.