David & Nadia - Aristargos 2017
David & Nadia Estate is located at the Paardebosch farm in the Swartland region of South Africa. The estate was created by the couple David and Nadia Sadie, both qualified in viticulture and oenology. They produced their first vintage in 2010 while still working for their former employers. In 2013, David resigned and Nadia joined him in 2016 to devote themselves entirely to their vineyard. About half of the grapes they work with come from the farm in Paardebosch where the winery is based, and the rest come from other farms, all located in Swartland. They carry out three projects: the David & Nadia cuvées (grapes used throughout Swartland representing its soils, vineyards and inhabitants), the Topography cuvées (only grapes grown in the Siebritskloof of Paardeberg where they are based) and the Single-Vineyard Skaliekop and Hoë-Steen. They have a minimal intervention approach and organic farming in the vineyard as well as in the winery. They very quickly became one of Swartland's leading wine producers, and considered one of South Africa's most exciting.
Aristargos 2017 is a blend of Chenin Blanc (58%), Viognier (14%), Clairette Blanche (13%), Sémillon (7%), Roussanne (5%) and Marsanne (3%). This is the 8th release of David & Nadia Chenin Blanc-based white wine. The wine is old vine-focused but also include grapes from younger plantings. The grapes come from 14 different vineyards scattered throughout the Swartland, whilst still having an anchor in the Paardeberg and its granite soils. The grapes are whole bunch pressed and cold settling is allowed for the juice before racking into barrel for spontaneous fermentation, including malolactic fermentation. The Sémillon is kept on the skins for a few days. The wines age in old 300-litres barrels.
Grape varieties: 58% Chenin Blanc, 14% Viognier, 13% Clairette Blanche, 7% Sémillon, 5% Roussanne, 3% Marsanne