Scions of Sinai, Gramadoelas 2021

Bernhard Bredell is one of South Africa's rising wine stars. Growing up on the family farm in Stellenbosch, he is a seventh-generation winemaker and set up Scions of Sinai in 2016 after studying oenology, viticulture and soil sciences at the University of Stellenbosch. The name reflects his commitment to both land and family: a scion having the dual meaning of a young vine shoot and a generational descendant; with the vineyards based around a rocky outcrop called Sinai Hill. ‘Gramadoelas’ is a colloquial Afrikaans word for ‘the middle of nowhere’, which is just where this textured and tangy Grenache Blanc hails from – between schist and shale hills on the edge of the Klein Karoo. Bernhard had visited the area as a child. Refreshingly light in alcohol, but 9 months lees contact adds weight. Zesty citrus and ripe pear flavours, a savoury herbaceous finish balanced by sherbety acidity. A great wine for delicate fish dishes.