Wines Swartland AA Badenhorst Family Wines - Secateurs - 2024

Viniou Reviews

The Secateurs Chenin Blanc 2024 from AA Badenhorst Family Wines is a prime showcase of Swartland’s potential for top-quality white wines. Crafted primarily from the Chenin Blanc grape variety, this vintage expresses the signature character that has made South African white wines increasingly renowned. The grapes are hand-harvested from old bush vines rooted deeply in the region’s rugged soils, lending the wine a remarkable concentration of flavour. Fermentation is carried out with minimal intervention, often using indigenous yeasts and matured mainly in old oak casks and concrete tanks, preserving the purity and vibrancy of the fruit while adding just a subtle layer of complexity.

Swartland, located within South Africa’s Coastal Region, is a dynamic winegrowing area celebrated for its warm, dry climate and diverse soil types, including granite, schist, and sandstone. The combination of resilient old vines and low rainfall results in wines of great intensity and mineral character. Historically, Swartland was better known for wheat and limited grape production, but in recent decades, innovative winemakers like Adi Badenhorst have lifted the region’s profile with expressive, artisanal wines that reflect the terroir and a hands-off approach in the cellar.

This Chenin Blanc’s fresh acidity, stone fruit notes, and subtle savoury undertones make it a wonderfully versatile companion at the table. It pairs beautifully with grilled seafood, lemon chicken, or shellfish such as mussels or oysters. For a more local twist, try it with South African bobotie (spiced mince baked with an egg-based topping), or a fragrant Cape Malay curry—the wine’s crispness will cut through richer dishes, while its fruit character complements gentle spices and aromatic herbs.

For the best tasting experience, serve this wine chilled, ideally between 8 and 10°C. This will highlight its zesty freshness, floral notes, and the subtle depth afforded by Swartland’s unique terroir. The wine can be enjoyed young for its vivacity, but it may also develop added honeyed complexity with a couple of years in the bottle.