About A.A. Badenhorst Family White
- Style
- White
- Grape Varieties
- Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Viognier, Palomino, Verdelho, Roussanne, Marsanne, Semillon, Clairette Blanche
- Price Range
- $45-55
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.
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.
New to wine?
A great introduction to South African field-blend whites — richer and more textured than a typical Chenin Blanc, but still food-friendly and approachable.
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.
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.
About the producer
A.A. Badenhorst Family WinesSwartland's artisan icon—old-vine Grenache and Chenin Blanc of rare characterVisit the producer page →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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