# Columella (2022)

- **Producer:** Sadie Family Wines
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault, Tinta Barocca, Pinotage
- **Region:** Western Cape, South Africa
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 13.2%
- **Average price:** €137
- **Vegan:** No
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** violet, black plum, black pepper, red cherry, blackberry, smoke, coffee beans, tobacco, earth, leather

## About this wine

Sadie Family Wines Columella 2022 is a red blend from the Swartland region of South Africa. The wine is a multi-varietal blend, with key components including Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault, Tinta Barocca, and Pinotage. The producer, Sadie Family Wines, was founded by Eben Sadie in 1999 with a philosophy centered on expressing terroir through old vines and authentic winemaking practices. The Swartland region, known for its diverse soils and climate, provides a unique environment for these old vines. The 2022 vintage is distinguished by its complexity and intensity achieved at a notably low alcohol level.

## Interesting facts

- Sourced from 12 different Swartland vineyard sites.
- Vineyards range from Paardeberg to Kasteelberg.
- Employs traditional basket presses for winemaking.
- A blend of seven different grape varieties.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium body and polished tannins are well-suited to complement the richness of proteins like lamb, duck, and beef. Its complex aromatic profile, with hints of spice and earth, finds harmony with herbs like rosemary and juniper, while the bright acidity can cut through richer sauces and fats.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Columella begins with spontaneous fermentation in open concrete fermenters, followed by post-fermentation maceration. Malolactic fermentation occurs in barrels, after which the wine spends 12 months on lees in French oak barrels (5% new). It then matures for an additional year in large oval casks (foudres) on fine lees. The wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered. Fruit is sourced from 12 different vineyard sites across the Swartland, with soils including granite, slate, gravel, and sandstone, and a focus on old bush vines. Farming practices emphasize respect for terroir and old vines, with hand-sorting of individual berries during harvest. No additions are made during fermentation.