Our Winemaking Philosophy
At Scions of Sinai, we prioritize skilled and sensitive agricultural practices rooted in organics. We approach winemaking with mindfulness towards natural processes, employing a hands-on approach in the vines and maintaining a chemical and additive-free cellar. Our commitment to manipulation-free and honest wines allows each bottle
to express its site authentically, remaining unfiltered and unfined. Embracing natural fermentations with wild yeast strains from each vineyard, we aim to capture the pure and complex identity of our terroir. With a ‘Terroir’ mindset, we obsessively attend to the finer details, allowing each vintage to naturally express its unique character.
SINGLE VINEYARD SERIES
Swanesang Syrah
Syrah from a small 1999 bushvine single vineyard (0.7ha) planted in ‘treinspoor’ (high density) format in southern Stellenbosch. Settled in decomposed granite duplex soils with an underlaying ‘koffie-stone’ layer. A Syrah with its rows funnelling the cool False Bay sea air daily.
Granietsteen Chenin Blanc
From Sinai Hill, southern Stellenbosch. An old Chenin blanc single vineyard from 1978. Planted on South-East facing contours as dry-farmed bushvines rooted on weathered in-situ granite soils. Overlooking the shores of False Bay a mere 3.5km away.
Heldervallei
Cinsault
Cinsault noir from a 1988 dry-farmed bushvine vineyard. Rooted in decomposed granite soils, high in quartz, on the cooler South East facing slope of Sinai Hill. Partial wholebunch fermentations with submerged caps. Aged on its fine lees for 11 months in older 225 L and 400 L barrels.
Gramadoelas Grenache Blanc
A Grenache Blanc single vineyard which was planted in 2009 on schist and shale derived soils of the Klein Karoo (close to Meiringspoort). Between hills of a continental arid climate at 450m altitude.
Féniks Pinotage
A unique old Pinotage single vineyard that was planted in 1976. Dry-farmed bushvines rooted in coarse sandy decomposed granite soils high in silica. This also happens to be South Africa’s closest Pinotage to the Ocean. At the foot of Sinai Hill, southern Stellenbosch. Low-yielding vines with uniquely small grape clusters.
CERVANTES SERIES
Señor Tallos
Skin Macerated White
A captivating blend of Chenin Blanc and Grenache Blanc, our ‘orange’ skin macerated wine showcases the intriguing results of extended skin contact. While the Chenin undergoes fermentation on its skins, the Grenache Blanc contributes to the complexity with a carbonic maceration element. This unique approach yields a wine with a beautiful amber hue and complex flavor profile, making it a standout choice for those seeking something extraordinary.
Atlantikas
Atlantikas embodies the essence of a ‘Farmer’s Rosé’ style Pinotage, crafted with a nod to tradition and a focus on purity. This wine is 100% whole bunch fermented, imparting lightness and freshness, with no oak influence. Aged in stainless steel, it showcases a delightful combination of fruit-forward and spicy aromatics. Sourced from two dry-farmed bushvine vineyards near False Bay in southern Stellenbosch, the wine reflects the unique terroir of decomposed granite soils. With its open and textural palate, Atlantikas offers a captivating expression of its coastal origins.
Rocinante
Rocinante is a captivating blend of Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc, and Roussanne, sourced from vineyards rooted in Cape Granite soils. The Chenin Blanc hails from low-yielding, old dry-farmed vines on Klein Helderberg farm in Southern Stellenbosch, while the Grenache Blanc and Roussanne come from the Voor Paardeberg WO. Equal parts of these varieties are expertly combined, resulting in a wine that elegantly showcases the unique characteristics of each grape and terroir.