Wines worth telling
Halfway between here and nowhere, you’ll turn left into a vineyard that doesn’t look like anything special. Most of the time it isn’t. But sometimes it is.
So we look for remarkable sites, often in unexpected places, to grow fascinating wines. Wines that represent not just stories, but epic tales of adventure, persistence and survival.
Fritz Schoon
Quantity surveying led to food kiosks and baking. Oude Bank Bakkerij evolved into Schoon de Companje. Lots of other things happened too. Fritz is a bread maker, businessman, and busy man. Nobody knows what he’s doing back there, but it probably includes family, baking or wine.
Henk Kotze
In 2011 Henk and Fritz opened Hawk & Schoon, a boutique wine store, above Fritz’s bakery in Stellenbosch. It has seen a number of iterations, but in many ways this provided the first home for what is now Saga Vineyards; a way to explore a shared passion for wine, stories, and adventure.
Reenen Borman
Following in dad Jacques’ footsteps was always going to be a challenge, but Reenen has made it look easy, in part by creating his own path. Along with Henk and Fritz, Saga Vineyards allows these friends to focus on what they believe is important. And things that aren’t important at all.
For the time being, we make four wines under two different labels. You’ll discover more about the ideas behind them, and the wines they produce, below.
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A Chapter on Character
At its heart, Sons of Sugarland is about authenticity. The focus is on vineyards that allow us to make wine in its most genuine form; raw, real and honest, to express the “true character” of the grape. For us, that means whole bunch fermentation, and aging in concrete. Nothing else.
This project was always intended to represent both light-heartedness and absolute commitment. We’re still working on the second part, but a particular block of SYRAH from the Polkadraai got us excited about the possibilities. Rather than silky and polished, the wine is pure and expressive.
Next up was a block of BARBERA in the Breedekloof, and the grapes receive the same treatment.
We’re not sure which frontier the Sons will tackle next, but you can be sure the winemaking will not change.
A Tale of Terroir
In 2012, one Butch Alheit went in search of old vine Chenin Blanc for a new single vineyard label in his now esteemed range. At Patatsfontein farm outside of Montagu, he was convinced that he’d stumbled upon just that. Butch vinified a promising old vineyard in 2013, but logistical challenges prevented him taking on the vineyard in the future, as it might compromise his Radio Lazarus pick.
Thanks to a family connection and a delightful twist of fate, Butch suggested that we take it on. At the time, we didn’t realize that his interest is what kept these extraordinary vines in the ground. Thank you, Butch.
The first vintage of PATATSFONTEIN STEEN was bottled in 2014, with the help of another celebrated winemaker and friend, Charla Haasbroek. Since then, this wine has stayed remarkably true to its karoo-adjacent terroir, showing fynbos, salinity, texture, and a notable citrus character.
In time, we introduced a second wine to the label; originally Patatsblanc, the Patatsfontein WIT VERSNIT is a blend of Colombard and Chenin from the very same site, with Colombard welcoming peach and pear to the party.
Both wines are aged in a combination of old oak barrels and concrete for 10 months. They are where they’re from.