Aristargos 2020 – David & Nadia.
In this review the 2020 Aristargos, a Rhône inspired white blend from South Africa’s Swartland region. Produced by one of the rising stars of this country: David & Nadia.
We met David Sadie earlier this year, after having heard a lot about the wines they produce. Tasting through their portfolio we were impressed by the uniqueness and quality of their wines, throughout the whole range.
About the Winery
David & Nadia is a family owned Swartland driven project that focusses on a spectrum of organic, old and dry land bush vine vineyards from different areas with different soil types throughout the Swartland, farmed by like-minded people.
In the vineyards they aim for biological farming and in the cellar they work as natural as possible. They believe in a pure, fresh and natural style where site and soil are at work with minimal influence from a winemaking point of view.
David was born and bred in the Swartland and studied Viticulture and Oenology at the University of Stellenbosch. It was here that he met and later married Nadia, a qualified soil scientist and viticulturist. Their first wine was made in 2010, this Aristargos. They are members of the Swartland Independent Producers.
They have a portfolio that focusses on Chenin Blanc and Grenache, complemented by some other (Rhône) varietals.
About the Wine
Aristargos 2020 is a white blend made from 9 varietals with mainly Chenin Blanc (49%). Other contributors are: Roussanne, Sémillon, Marsanne, Clairette Blanche, Viognier, Verdelho, Grenache Blanc and Colombar.
Coming from different vineyards (In total 17 different) the focus in this vintage lies on the Chenin vineyards on the Paardeberg mountain, predominantly characterized by their granite soils. Other sites add their influence with shallow shale soils and iron rich clay. Planting dates vary from 1960 until 2013 across the board.
In the cellar mainly old used (French) oak was used. Some of the selections also received some ageing on the lees.
Aristargos shows a pale golden colour. What follows is a subtle and structured nose, a complex and aromatic profile with a combination of floral, herbal and fruit notes. It is amazing how this wide array of aroma’s blends into a wine that simply unifies. A nicely rounded palette caries enough acidity and bitterness to provide freshness and inspire. This continues in the aftertaste of this well-balanced wine that is still low in alcohol (12.5%).
There is art in the selection of all these vineyards and vines, but bringing them together and unifying them also displays a fine craft.
Imported in the Netherlands by Smaragd Wijnen.
Price: ~ €30
Taste date: August 2022
Score: 94/100 DWA Score
Website: David and Nadia