Donkiesbaai Grenache Noir is a vibrant and adventurous expression of the Piekenierskloof terroir, specifically crafted to complement the fresh, coastal cuisine of South Africa's West Coast. Bright in the glass, it opens with perfumed aromas of hibiscus, strawberries, and red cherry, grounded by a savoury note of forest floor. On the palate, the wine is light-bodied and lively, where zesty cranberry combines with raspberry compote and spicy notes of cinnamon and clove. A crisp sour cherry acidity perfectly balances the spicy tannins and bright fruit, leading to a refreshing finish of strawberry and spice. Matured for 14 months in seasoned French oak barrels, this Grenache Noir offers remarkable purity and elegance.
2024 / 0.75l / 13,67% / Piekenierskloof - South Africa
About the Winery
Donkiesbaai is a deeply personal project for the Engelbrecht family, named after a remote bay on the West Coast where they have holidayed for four generations. While Stellenbosch is the heart of their operations, Donkiesbaai represents their "adventurous" side, exploring further-flung corners of South Africa’s winelands. The wines are crafted with West Coast cuisine in mind, designed to be the perfect partner for crayfish, "harders," and the relaxed coastal lifestyle. Under the guidance of head winemakerDanielle le Roux, the range emphasizes the use of certified heritage old vines. The flagship of the range is the Steen (the traditional South African name for Chenin Blanc), a wine that beautifully balances family heritage, a respect for tradition, and a love for South Africa’s wild coastal landscapes.
Terroir
The terroir for the Donkiesbaai range is centered in the unique Piekenierskloof region, located about 3.5 hours north of Cape Town. The vineyards sit at a high altitude of 650 meters above sea level, experiencing warm summer days offset by cool evening winds. The soils are deep, sandy, and nutrient-poor, which, combined with dry-land farming (no irrigation), forces the vines to produce lower yields with highly concentrated flavors.
A defining feature of this terroir is the heritage bush vines, planted in 1986 and 1988 and certified by the Old Vine Project. These old vines have established deep root systems that are resilient to drought, yielding grapes with incredible mid-palate weight, complexity, and the distinct minerality characteristic of the Piekenierskloof area.
Recommended wine pairings
Donkiesbaai Grenache Noir 2024
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