100% Tinta Amarela W.O. Swartland

What is Tinta Amarela? Tinta Amarela or Trincadeira is a red wine grape that is commonly used in Port wine production. The grape is noted for its dark coloring. Its use in the Douro region has been increasing in recent years. The vine is susceptible to rot and performs better in dry, hot climates. 

Label Meaning: The label features an adapted photograph taken by Kevin Short at the Burning Man festival in the USA. Winemaker Craig Hawkins modified the image to show a symbolic love-hate relationship between the Queen of Spades and the Queen of Hearts.

The 2025 vintage followed one of the wettest winters on record, with 689mm of rain at Bandits Kloof. The growing season remained extremely cool, delaying ripening until the first real heat arrived on December 25, which caused significant sunburn and reduced yields by 20–30%. This loss helped balance what was shaping up to be a large crop, ultimately resulting in a concentrated and outstanding vintage. The cool days and nights delivered wines of purity and poise, marked by elevated natural acidity and precise fruit expression. This bottling comes from one of the few Tinta Amarela vineyards in the Swartland, with only 300 vines planted. It serves as a benchmark for tannin extraction, showing wonderfully chalky structure that integrates seamlessly with the grape’s bright fruit.

Tasting Notes: Shows a perfumed nose of wildflowers, red berries, subtle fynbos, and gentle sweet spice, leading into a palate of juicy bright red fruit, finely judged chalky tannins, and elevated natural acidity that keeps the wine lively and balanced. With moderate alcohol at 12.5% and 18 months of aging in old French oak, it finishes bone‑dry, clean, and refreshing, reflecting the cool 2025 Swartland vintage that produced concentrated fruit and remarkable freshness from reduced yields. Think of a light Cinsault/Grenache. Elegant and gentle but got lovely structure! 

Food Pairing: The lively acidity and chalky tannins make it a versatile food wine: it pairs beautifully with grilled lamb, where the juicy red fruit cuts through the richness, and with charcuterie, where its freshness balances the fat and salt. Earthy dishes like mushroom risotto highlight the subtle spice and herbal fynbos notes, while aged hard cheeses complement the bone‑dry finish and structure. These pairings emphasize the wine’s elegance and purity, making it ideal for both rustic and refined dining.

“Grapes from an Abbotsdale vineyard planted in 1999 on granite. 100% whole-bunch fermented. Extremely fragrant with notes of flowers, fynbos, red berries and subtle spice. Light and fresh with crunchy tannins, the finish dry but not severe. Alc: 12.5%.CE’s rating: 92 | “Delicious”

ANALYSIS: ALC 12.53% | TA 5.4g/L | pH 3.48 | RS 1.2g/L