Rall Grenache Blanc 2021

Rall wines was established in 2008 and is owned and run by young independent winemaker Donovan Rall. After graduating with a viticulture and oenology degree from Stellenbosch University in 2005 and extensive travels and harvests all over in the next few years, Donovan returned to SA in 2007 for a season in the Swartland. Here he found his inspiration for the Mediterranean varietals and now makes boutique wines under his own label from old vineyards in the Swartland and Stellenbosh. The winemaking is simple, with each parcel allowed to ferment and mature naturally before blending in a renovated cellar in the Swartland.

“The main objective for me has always been to make a wine that reflects the fresher and lighter side of this variety. At only 12.5% the 2021 is fine, focussed and has some real energy about it. The main components were sourced from the same high altitude bush vines in the Piekenierskloof but this year for the first time around 10% included in the blend was a small new “stok by paaltjie” vineyard planted on schist right up against the Kasteelberg in the Swartland. Like the other white wines in the range, the grapes are whole-bunch pressed and transferred without settling straight to the vessels for fermentation. This vintage spent 8 months on the primary lees in concrete eggs and amphorae before bottling. 4,250 bottles produced.” – Donovan Rall