Rall Grenache Blanc '23

One of the most influential and important winemakers in South Africa, Donovan Rall has produced exceptional wine since his first vintage of Rall Wines in 2008. Following an education in viticulture and oenology, extensive travels and harvests eventually brought him back to the Swartland, where he found his inspiration for Mediterranean varieties, and the dream of making unique and naturally styled wines under his own label from scattered old vineyards. Working closely with growers in the Swartland and in Stellenbosch to secure the best possible fruit at the optimal ripeness and balance, the vineyards are selected on the basis of soil type and age of the vines. Currently, the fruit for the Rall range is sourced from ten different vineyards, primarily from Swartland. The hands-off winemaking technique that follows is only possible if the vines are low yielding and the growth is in balance. Donovan has always produced small quantities by hand from the most unique and oldest sites he could find. The winemaking is simple, with each parcel allowed to ferment and mature naturally in order to reflect the character of each vineyard.
 
This is one of our favorite expressions of Grenache Blanc from anywhere in the world. The fruit is harvested from own-rooted bush vines grown in Pieknierskloof, in the Western Cape of South Africa. Donovan is among the few producers in South Africa who work with Grenache Blanc, and he has a particular talent for bringing out its best qualities. Part of the juice is left on its skins for a week in old oak barrels, and the rest is fermented in concrete eggs. Fermentation is carried out with indigenous yeast strains that give the wine a delicate yet leesy texture without feeling too rich.