2019 Scions of Sinai, Señor Tallos, Stellenbosch, South Africa

Scions of Sinai

Located in Stellenbosch’s Lower Helderberg, Scions of Sinai was founded by Bernhard Bredell in 2016. Having grown up on a wine farm, Bredell has always felt the desire to give back to his roots. He focuses on using natural methods and minimal intervention in the cellar to ensure the wines maintain authenticity to the vines and their roots.

But why the name, “Scions of Sinai”? Scion, in biology, refers to the upper part of the vine or a young shoot. In old English, scion also means descendant. Sinai refers to Sinai Hill, the foothill of the lower Helderberg, where the Bredells have farmed with old dryland bush-vines for generations. From Sinai Hill, Bernhard sees both himself and his old bush-vines as the Scions of Sinai – descendants of this unique terroir.

Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch is South Africa’s best-known wine region, producing a wide variety of wines from leading estates, even though it accounts for less than 20 per cent of the country’s total production. Designated wards within the wine region are Jonkershoek Valley, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch, Bottelary, Devon Valley and Papegaaiberg.

At 17,500 hectares, Stellenbosch remains the Cape's most famous and important fine wine district, thanks to its proximity to Cape Town, to the cooling influences of False Bay, its mountainous (ie Helderberg, Simonsberg), granitic topography and its centres of learning such as Elsenburg Agricultural College. 

It's notable for the refinement of its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, especially from the likes of Glenelly Estate, Keermont Vineyards Oldenburg Vineyards, Raats Family and Anwilka

Grenache Blanc/Garnacha Blanca

Grenache Blanc is a white grape variety closely related to the more widely known red grape, Grenache Noir (or Grenache). It is believed to have originated in Spain, specifically in the Catalonia region, but it has spread to many wine-producing areas worldwide.

Grenache Blanc is appreciated for its versatility and ability to adapt to various climates and terroirs. The grape typically produces aromatic wines with floral and fruity notes, including flavors of green apple, pear, citrus, and sometimes tropical fruits. In some cases, the wines may also showcase herbal or mineral undertones.

The grape is grown in several wine regions worldwide, with notable plantings in France (particularly in the Rhône Valley and Languedoc-Roussillon regions), Spain, the United States (especially in California), Australia, and South Africa.

Grenache Blanc is often used in both single-varietal wines and as a blending component in white blends. When used in blends, it can add body, richness, and aromatics to the final wine. It is also commonly blended with white Rhône varieties like Roussanne and Marsanne to create aromatic and complex wines.

Its crisp acidity and fruity character make it a versatile wine for food pairing. It pairs well with various dishes, including seafood, salads, roasted chicken, Asian cuisine, and Mediterranean dishes.