A.A. Badenhorst 'Secateurs' Red Blend, Swartland, South Africa

Crafted with a devotion to tradition and the rugged terroir of Swartland, the 2019 A.A. Badenhorst Secateurs Red Blend brings together old bushvine fruit, hands-off winemaking, and a strikingly honest character. This is South African red at its most charming and authentic, earthy, fresh, and built to share.

Product Details:

• Varieties: 82% Cinsault, 10% Shiraz, 8% Grenache
• ABV: 13.5%
• Residual Sugar: 2.4 g/L
• Cellaring Potential: 5–10 years
• Farming: Dry-farmed, old bushvines on granite soils
• Fermentation: Native yeasts in open concrete tanks
• Aging: 7 months in old casks, foudres, and concrete tanks
• Vinification Notes: Unfined, lightly filtered

Sensory Description:

The nose is immediately alluring with bright aromas of crushed raspberry, red currant, spice, and hints of floral perfume and smoke. On the palate, it’s supple and smooth at the start, gradually revealing textured tannins and a refreshingly dry finish. Peppery and slightly savory nuances wrap around juicy fruit, delivering an expressive yet easygoing drinking experience.

Winemaker's Background:

AA Badenhorst Family Wines is run by dynamic cousins Hein and Adi Badenhorst on Kalmoesfontein farm in the Paardeberg mountain. Their 28 hectares of bushvines sit on old granite soils, and their approach is as old-school as it gets: low intervention, hand-picked grapes, foot-stomping, and natural fermentation in a cellar revived from the 1930s. The winery embodies South African tradition and a free-spirited creativity that has made it a Swartland icon.

Serving Suggestions:

The 2019 Secateurs Red is an ideal companion for laid-back meals. Try it with burgers, wood-fired pizza, charcuterie boards, poultry, or even a midweek pasta dish. Serve slightly chilled to amplify its fresh, peppery snap.

This red blend proves that everyday wines can be soulful and satisfying. It's an easy favorite, one bottle, many smiles.