Kruger Old Vines Grenache 2018

Johan Kruger, winemaker of Kruger Family Wines was Young South African Winemaker of the Year in 2005 and was awarded 5 stars by top critic John Platter. Johan’s passion is chardonnay but has also proven his talent over the years in many other varieties and delicious blends.

Johan Kruger grew up on a family farm called Sterhuis in Stellenbosch (South Africa) and learnt the art of winemaking at Jordan Wines Stellenbosch as well as abroad in the USA and Burgundy – hence the fine passion for vineyard specific wines. Three years ago when he and his Belgian wife started their lovely family, it was time to spread their wings and go it alone, so Johan, used to one farm and one terroir, now has the whole of South Africa to source the most unique vineyard parcels and express these into the bottle with minimal intervention and a very natural approach to winemaking.

They currently do not own a winery, but rent cellar space, they do not own vineyards, but lease them, which gives them the freedom to truly express themselves through their wines.

Partnering with Johan Van Zyl from the farm Heidedal in the high mountains of the Piekenierskloof Valley, they put much effort into this vineyard and winemaking to produce a very individually styled wine. The grapes are grown on 700 meters above sea level on decomposed granite soils and were picked beginning February from a mature 41 year old vineyard, planted in 1976.