Vineyard: Halfway between Dwarskersbos and Elands Bay on the coast

Grapes: Chenin Blanc and Palomino (Local synonyms: Steen and Vaalblaar)

Soils:   Limestone with a huge chalk table underground

Ageing Potential: 5 – 10 years

Average Yield: 24 hl/ha

Skerpioen(Scorpion) is a very unique, unirrigated old vine parcel planted on the West Coast near the village of Dwarskersbos.

One of the most amazing aspects of this vineyard is the fact that it is planted in chalky (limestone) soils in one of the coolest parts of the Swartland region, located a mere 2km from the Atlantic Ocean – but this is also a very dry location with an average rainfall of around 300mm per year.

The cool climate and restrictive growth as a result of the limited water availability have resulted in this 60-year-old-parcel rendering a unique quality wine with a distinctive imprint. Its 2.4 hectares of old vines are mainly planted with Chenin Blanc and Palomino.

Skerpioen is a field blend of both varieties – they are picked and pressed together, and co-fermented in old wooden casks.

The most obvious characteristics of this wine is its incredible crisp acidity and freshness; and the line of minerality – thanks to this very unique soil.

Unfined and unfiltered – decanting recommended.