About seven years ago Nietvoorbij, the vine research facility in Stellenbosch, planted a variety of lesser known cultivars on various farms in the Swartland in order to test their draught resistance. The Riebeeck Valley Wine Co. were fortunate to find some of these vines planted in two long rows, one with white cultivars and one with red cultivars, on a farm just outside of Riebeek West.

A decision was made to harvest the red cultivars (Barbera, Carignan, Durif, Marselan, Tannat and Tempranillo) as a field blend, destemming the grapes into an open top fermenter. After a spontaneous wild yeast fermentation the wine was pressed off and aged in three old 300 litre French oak barrels for 8 months prior to being bottled.

Not really knowing what to expect, “the result was surprisingly charming, untamed and full of character. It reminded us of a scruffy streetdog with a questionable family tree but soulful eyes and a heart or gold… and so was born… Straatbrak” according to RVWC winemaker Sheree Nothnagel. 

Riebeek Valley Wine Co. Straatbrak Red Field Blend 2025, WO Swartland, 13.5% Abv.

Don’t let the sentimental label put you off, because this is one of the most seriously enticing offerings I’ve tasted to date from the Riebeek Valley Wine Co. An adventurous blend of Barbera, Carignan, Durif, Marselan, Tannat and Tempranillo, these are all the champion cultivars of Europe’s dryer warm climate regions thrown into one stunning blend. The logo on the label sums up the wine perfectly… “no pedigree, just personality” and boy does this wine have personality! First tasted slightly chilled, the aromatics burst with a complex medley of red and black berry fruits, plum spice, black currant compote and lovely wild bramble and hedgerow nuances. The palate is pure, pinpoint and deliciously precise with linear crisp acids, a bright fluid palate with powdery silky tannins supported by mouth-wateringly tangy acids. Perfectly assembled, beautifully characterful, but impressively intense, pure and focused with genuine winemaking prowess. One of the most exciting and juicy wines I’ve tasted all year from the Cape! This is a must try wine, served preferably lightly chilled. Drink now to 2034+.

(Wine Safari Score: 95/100 Greg Sherwood MW)