The mountain itself is quite a sight. Tall granite domes tower over ridges and slopes of all aspects and elevations. There are deep kloofies and wild places high up where nobody goes. Small farmhouses and cottages dot the landscape below. Mysterious patchwork plots of agriculture are visible on distant ridges. The place has a distinctly three-dimensional feeling.
Paardeberg is the epicentre of a quality revolution that has swept the Swartland for the past two decades. Driven by a few visionary producers, the Paardeberg’s identity has been reimagined. It now produces some of the Cape’s most wonderful wines. Many formerly undervalued vineyards are now held dear.
Our farm on the Paardeberg is called Nuwedam. We have 20 Ha of unirrigated old bushvines on pure decomposed granite soils, all planted between 1972 and 1985. Low yields and tiny berries result in wines that can be textured and quite powerful, but still have a brightness and nervous energy about them. We find flavours of limey citrus, thatch, and honey on these wines. They tend to have a very linear and long form on the palate.
These vineyards make Fire by Night, and also contribute significantly to Cartology