Badenhorst Family Wines - Secateur Blanc - Chenin 2025
Located on the Kalmoesfontein farm in the heart of the Swartland region, Badenhorst Family Wines is one of the emblematic estates of the new South African wave. At the helm, Adi and Hein Badenhorst have breathed new life into a 1930s cellar, crafting natural wines with a decidedly artisanal approach. The vines, primarily very old plots cultivated as non-irrigated bush vines, are planted on the granite slopes of the Paardeberg mountain and worked as organically as possible to preserve the vitality of the soils and the character of the terroir.
Sécateur Blanc Chenin 2025 is one of the estate's signature wines, a true flagship of Swartland's Chenin Blanc. The wine is made primarily from old Chenin Blanc vines, some planted in the 1960s and 70s, rooted in soils of decomposed granite mixed with clay and schist. The 2025 vintage, hand-harvested over a period of twelve days to ensure each plot was picked at perfect ripeness, benefited from balanced conditions that allowed for a combination of aromatic concentration and natural freshness. The bunches are pressed whole, and the juice ferments exclusively with indigenous yeasts, in tanks and partly in old foudres and barrels. Aging continues on thick lees for several months, with occasional stirring to add structure, texture, and a flavorful dimension without heaviness.
On the palate, the nose of Sécateur Blanc 2025 is both precise and generous. The initial aromas evoke yellow apple, ripe pear, and white peach, soon joined by notes of quince, melon, and nectarine. A floral character gradually emerges, with hints of orange blossom, honeysuckle, and a touch of light honey. In the background, a stony, slightly smoky touch adds a more mineral, almost flinty dimension, reminiscent of the granitic character of the Paardeberg hills.
On the palate, the attack is lively and perfectly chiseled, driven by a full, mouthwatering acidity that structures the wine without making it harsh. The mid-palate is textured, with a beautiful density of fruit where baked apple, ripe peach, quince, ripe lemon, and a delicate note of blood orange mingle. The tactile sensation is marked by a slight graininess, resulting from lees aging and a small amount of maceration, which gives the wine a rich and gastronomic character. The finish is long and taut, with a discreet salinity and elegant citrus peel bitterness that prolongs the freshness and defines a dry Chenin Blanc that is at once serious, energetic, and very easy to drink.
At the table, Badenhorst Sécateur Blanc Chenin 2025 works wonders with a wide variety of cuisines. It pairs perfectly with grilled or roasted fish, such as sea bream, pollack, or sea bass fillets, as well as seafood and shellfish, from oysters and clams to mussels marinière. Its vibrancy and texture make it a choice partner for lightly spiced Asian cuisine, vegetable or chicken curries with coconut milk, and dishes featuring lemongrass and ginger. It also goes very well with herb-roasted poultry, free-range chicken with lemon and thyme, or vegetarian dishes featuring roasted root vegetables and grains. With cheeses, it particularly enhances soft cheeses and fresh goat cheeses, balancing their richness with its fresh, mineral character.
Grape variety: 100% Chenin Blanc
