GRENACHE 2020
R425 per bottle
Naudé Wines Grenache 2020 is an exceptional South African Grenache from a remarkable vineyard in the Agter-Paardeberg of the Swartland, Western Cape.
Crafted as a lighter, elegant style of Grenache at just 11% alcohol, this minimal-intervention wine displays vibrant red berries, wild strawberry, cool red cherry, red plum, fragrant spice, earthy savoury notes and a distinctive saline minerality. Its fine tannins, bright acidity and crystalline structure give the wine remarkable precision and freshness, challenging the traditional perception of Grenache as a rich, high-alcohol red wine.
Awarded 96 points by Master of Wine Greg Sherwood, 17 points by Jancis Robinson and 92 points by Neal Martin, the 2020 vintage has been recognised as an outstanding expression of Swartland Grenache, with excellent ageing potential of 8–15+ years. A compelling choice for collectors and wine lovers searching for premium South African Grenache, low-alcohol red wine, minimal-intervention wine and terroir-driven Swartland wines.
COMPOSITION
100% Grenache
SOIL
Duplex (sandy surface, sub-soil of rich red clay and shale rocks)
ORIGIN
Swartland
ANALYSIS
Alc 11% | RS 1.8 g/L | TA 5.8 g/L | pH 3.33 g/L
ACCOLADES
96 | Greg Sherwood MW (April 2023)
17 | Jancis.Robinson.com (June 2023)
92 | Neal Martin (August 2023)
TECHNICAL INFO
GRENACHE 2020 — Frequently Asked Questions
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1. What is Naudé Grenache 2020?
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Grenache 2020 is a premium South African red wine from Naudé Wines — 100% Grenache from a remarkable vineyard in the Agter-Paardeberg, Swartland, planted in 2004. It's only the third vintage Ian Naudé has made from this block: the first release was 2014, after which he lost access to the fruit until 2019. Crafted as a lighter, more elegant style of Grenache at just 11% alcohol, it challenges the traditional idea of Grenache as a rich, high-alcohol red. It has been well received by critics, scoring 96 points from Master of Wine Greg Sherwood, 17 points from JancisRobinson.com, and 92 points from Neal Martin.
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2. What does Naudé Grenache 2020 taste like?
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The nose shows sweet red berry fruit, cool red cherry, earthy red plum and grated red apple skin, with a floral, fragrant lift and subtle earthy, meaty notes in the background. The palate is taut and linear, with pure, crystalline fruit, bracing acidity and powdery tannins, finishing with a distinctive saline, mineral tartness. It's a wine of precision and freshness rather than weight — fine wine elegance delivered with a light touch.
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3. Where do the grapes for Grenache 2020 come from?
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The fruit comes from a single vineyard in the Agter-Paardeberg, Swartland, planted in 2004 on duplex soil — a sandy surface layer over a sub-soil of rich red clay and shale rock. Ian Naudé discovered the block while working primarily with Bordeaux-style varieties; after his first vintage from it in 2014, he lost access to the fruit and only regained it in 2019, making the 2020 his third release from this exceptional site.
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4. Is Naudé Grenache 2020 dry, and can it age?
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Yes, it's dry, with 1.8 g/L residual sugar, 5.8 g/L acidity and a pH of 3.33 giving it real tension and freshness despite its lighter 11% alcohol. Critics suggest excellent ageing potential of 8 to 15-plus years, with the wine's crystalline acid structure and fine tannins supporting further development in bottle well beyond release.
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5. Why is Naudé Grenache 2020 lighter in style than typical Grenache?
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Ian Naudé deliberately picks this vineyard earlier to produce a lighter, more fragrant style of Grenache, rather than the riper, higher-alcohol expressions the variety is often associated with. At 11% alcohol — well below the 14%+ common in many Grenache-based wines — it retains a pale, almost ethereal colour and a featherweight, saline freshness, made possible by the site itself and a minimal-intervention approach that lets the vineyard's natural character lead rather than chasing ripeness.
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6. How is Naudé Grenache 2020 made?
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The wine is made with minimal intervention throughout, following many visits to the vineyard to identify the ideal picking date for this lighter style. Fermentation uses natural yeasts with as little cellar interference as possible, and the wine is aged for 12 to 15 months in French oak barrels, which add subtle creamy, vanilla nuance in the background without dominating the fruit. Beyond this, nothing else is added to shape the wine.
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7. What food pairs well with Naudé Grenache 2020?
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Its bright acidity, fine tannins and savoury, earthy notes make it a versatile pairing wine. It works well with roast chicken or duck, grilled lamb, charcuterie, and Mediterranean dishes built around herbs, tomato and olive oil. Its lighter body and saline freshness also make it food-friendly with richer fish and mushroom-based dishes, and it can be served lightly chilled in warmer weather.
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8. What have critics said about Naudé Grenache 2020?
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Master of Wine Greg Sherwood scored the 2020 vintage 96 points, describing it as a really incredible expression of Paardeberg Swartland Grenache with extreme precision and crystalline classical power. It also received 17 points from JancisRobinson.com and 92 points from Neal Martin — strong recognition for a wine made in such a deliberately restrained, lighter style.
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9. Where can I buy Naudé Grenache 2020?
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Naudé Grenache 2020 is available directly from our online shop at R440 per bottle, with international shipping available on request.
For direct enquiries, contact hello@naudewines.co.za or call +27 (0)72 914 3359.