Meet the maker | David & Nadia
We try to use the phrase “mofo-favourite” producer sparingly, but there’s no more applicable description for David & Nadia Wines, powerhouses of South African chenin blanc and grenache. Here's Tully on why we fall in love with these epic South African imports vintage after vintage, along with a few words from the dynamic winemaking duo themselves.
You’ll likely meet two people who have come across South African wines. People who love them for their unique and native styles, or people who have been jaded by the entry-level wines that enter most export markets. Enter: the new age of winemakers and grape growers who are, one by one, elevating the profile of this magnificent wine growing country.
“Three words to describe our wines? Balanced, textured, elegant.” - Nadia
David and Nadia Sadie are the ones to watch, having only established the brand just over a decade ago, their ascension to awe-inspiring heights has been remarkable to watch over the years.
“A wine related degree was actually both of ours' second choice initially. We met each other at the University of Stellenbosch where David studied Viticulture and Winemaking and Nadia Viticulture and Soil Science. A few years after studies we got married (2009) and our first wine was produced in 2010. Both of us were still employed by someone else and it was a few years later that we could focus full time on our own wine project.” - David
While most in the wine world will know of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschoek as the hallmark of South African wine, many have taken to championing the diversity and storied history of vineyards that lie outside these popular boundaries.
Just an hour north of Cape Town, you’ll find yourself wandering the rugged landscape of Swartland. Here, you’ll be amongst long-standing vineyards, vast micro-climates and patchwork of soil types. Read: a winemaker’s heaven.
“David grew up in the Swartland and even though he was involved in winemaking in Stellenbosch, Tulbagh, France and New Zealand, he always knew that he wanted to return to his roots.” - Nadia
That’s why you’ll find David & Nadia’s operation grounded here, where they are proving that Swartland chenin blanc (along with other varieties in tow) are of a world-class quality.
“Although Swartland is known to be extremely dry and hot, we had two wet years. Which is absolutely amazing from a cover crop perspective as well as soil coverage and life in soils. It is, however, crucial to adapt farming practices and strategies, because the same strategies can’t be used in such different conditions. It’s crucial to listen and learn from the different seasons.” - David
Think of South African wine, and a few things might come to mind. Big, bold, oak-invested reds and whites. Now, take that expectation and throw it out the window. While you can describe the wines of David & Nadia as rich, complex, and broad - that generosity is driven by inherent quality of their fruit source, complimented by restraint in the winemaking practice.
“A great vintage delivers purity, freshness and concentration. Some vintages have much more challenges and are more complicated than others. Some vintages everything just falls into place and are easier. The aim is for every vintage to be a great one.” - David
The ‘Aristargos’ and ‘Elpidios’ blends are a tapestry of varieties, a true testament to a product that is greater than the sum of its parts. It’s exciting to watch producers perform just as strongly with blends as they do with single varietals, and the focus on chenin blanc and grenache from this mighty winery shed hit home runs in every direction: pristine, focused, and sure to turn every head at the table.
“We're excited by specialising more, with less.” - Nadia
Their highly sought after single vineyard chenin blanc range (Rondevlei, Hoë-Steen, Plat’bos and Skaliekop) are, without a doubt, some of the most life-changing wines I’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting…. And I’ve tried more than a few outstanding bottles in my time.
“Where to head first? Chenin blanc will make for an exciting starting point: First our chenin blanc based blend (Aristargos), then our single varietal chenin blanc (based on eight different registered single vineyard wines) and then our four single vineyard chenin blancs (Hoë-Steen, Skaliekop, Plat'bos and Rondevlei). After that some focus on reds: our Grenache noir and then Elpidios (Grenache noir based blend).” - Nadia
The real question I always ask is “why wouldn’t I buy these wines?”. There’s something about the first sighting of these on Aussie soil that marks a turn in the year for me, and certainly for many a staff member around the mofo halls. I’m always excited to see the nuance of the vintage, and the continued evolution of quality that David & Nadia tirelessly strive for.
Whether I’m pulling a bottle from my cellar, or popping the cork on a new vintage, there’s an instant feeling akin to listening to a long-forgotten song from your youth. It’s a whole body and mind experience. Sure, say what you want about hyperbole, but I guarantee you if you’re challenging me you’ve yet to enjoy a bottle from this remarkable duo. Enjoy them as they do, with family and/or close friends around a braai. David & Nadia, I tip my hat to you once again.