A.A. Badenhorst Family White
ファミリー・ホワイト
A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines
Chenin Blanc · Grenache Blanc · Grenache Gris · Viognier · Palomino · Verdelho · Roussanne · Marsanne · Semillon · Clairette Blanche
About this wine
The flagship white of A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines, this field blend co-ferments up to a dozen old bush-vine varieties — led by Chenin Blanc and Grenache Blanc alongside Viognier, Palomino, Verdelho, Roussanne, Marsanne, Semillon and Clairette Blanche — all sourced from the granite and schist slopes of the Paardeberg in the Swartland. Hand-harvested on the same day and whole-bunch pressed, the wine ferments spontaneously in old French oak foudres and large casks, then ages on its lees for around 20 months without fining or filtration. The result is a richly perfumed, textured white with notes of quince, potpourri, dried herbs and salted almond, framed by punchy acidity and a saline, mineral finish. It has earned a Gold Medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards and consistently scores in the low-to-mid 90s from international critics.
A great introduction to South African field-blend whites — richer and more textured than a typical Chenin Blanc, but still food-friendly and approachable.
Sommelier's Note
"This is arguably South Africa's most compelling field-blend white — proof that a dozen varieties, farmed with patience and fermented without intervention, can speak more clearly of place than any single grape."
Food Pairings
Its texture and complexity make it a natural match for richer seafood — think grilled langoustine, scallops or lobster in butter sauce — as well as roast chicken and creamy pasta dishes. The wine's savory, oxidative edge also stands up well to soft, washed-rind cheeses.
When to drink it
Special dinners, seafood feasts, and moments that call for a more serious, contemplative white wine.
Specs
- Grape Varieties
- Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Viognier, Palomino, Verdelho, Roussanne, Marsanne, Semillon, Clairette Blanche
- Style
- White
- Price Range
- $45-55
Terroir & Winemaking
Field blend of up to 12 varieties (Chenin Blanc and Grenache Blanc predominant) from old bush vines on decomposed granite soils at Kalmoesfontein farm. Hand-harvested on the same day, whole-bunch pressed, spontaneously fermented and aged approximately 20 months in old French oak foudres and 500L barriques. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What grapes are in A.A. Badenhorst Family White?
- It's a field blend of up to a dozen varieties led by Chenin Blanc and Grenache Blanc, including Viognier, Palomino, Verdelho, Roussanne, Marsanne, Semillon and Clairette Blanche, all co-fermented together.
- Is this wine oaked?
- Yes, it ferments and ages for about 20 months in old French oak foudres and barriques, though the oak is neutral and adds texture rather than overt flavor.
- How does it differ from the Secateurs Chenin Blanc?
- Family White is the more serious, complex sibling — a multi-variety field blend with longer barrel aging, versus Secateurs' single-variety, fresher style.
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Talk to the SommelierMore wines from this producer
A.A. バーデンホースト セカトゥール シュナン・ブラン
A.A. Badenhorst Secateurs Chenin Blanc
WhiteChenin Blanc
A flagship wine from the Swartland region, this Chenin Blanc is crafted from old, bush-trained vines planted in the 1960s and 70s. The wine is fermented using native yeasts in a combination of concrete tanks and old casks, then aged on its lees for 10 months. It offers a complex, flinty nose with notes of honey, orange blossom, and white stone fruits like peach and pear. On the palate, it is remarkably textured and concentrated, balancing vibrant, zippy acidity with a creamy mouthfeel and a persistent mineral finish. It is a benchmark for South African Chenin Blanc, showcasing the authentic character of the Paardeberg granite soils.
ファミリー・レッド
A.A. Badenhorst Family Red
RedShiraz · Cinsault · Grenache · Mourvedre · Tinta Barocca
The estate's flagship red, a Rhône-inspired field blend built around old bush-vine Shiraz (Syrah) with Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvèdre and the historic Cape variety Tinta Barocca. Hand-harvested on the same day from vines on the granite slopes of the Paardeberg, the grapes are whole-bunch fermented in open concrete fermenters and old wooden kuipe, with extended post-fermentation maceration, before aging in large old French oak foudres. The wine shows brooding aromas of black cherry, pepper, liquorice and dried florals, with a dense, savory palate, fine-grained tannins and a long, spice-laced finish — a benchmark expression of Swartland red winemaking.
セカトゥール・レッド・ブレンド
Secateurs Red Blend
RedCinsault · Shiraz · Grenache
The red half of Badenhorst's entry-tier Secateurs range (named after the pruning shears used in the vineyard), this easy-drinking Swartland blend is led by old bush-vine Cinsault with Shiraz and Grenache. Grapes are hand-harvested, whole-bunch fermented in open concrete tanks and old foudres, and aged around 12 months with minimal intervention. The result is a supple, silky wine with aromas of mulberry, dark chocolate, white pepper and fynbos herbs, finishing dry, fresh and food-friendly — widely regarded as one of the best value reds coming out of the Swartland.
セカトゥール・ロゼ
Secateurs Rosé
RoséMourvedre
A 100% Mourvèdre rosé from Secateurs, Badenhorst's entry-tier range, made from old, dry-farmed bush vines planted in the 1950s-60s in the Swartland. Grapes are hand-picked before dawn to preserve freshness, whole-bunch direct-pressed, and left to settle overnight before spontaneous fermentation in concrete tanks and large old foudres. The result is a serious, textured rosé with aromas of cranberry, redcurrant and wild rose, a mineral-driven palate, and a long, dry finish — closer in style to a fine white wine than a typical fruity rosé.