South Africa > Western Cape > Cape South Coast > Malgas > Sijnn Vineyards
organic practices, Vegan
The Breede River Valley bisects the Western Cape Province, home to most of South Africa’s wine growing regions. Malgas is a small settlement and wine district about 25km from the river’s mouth, and about 10 miles as the crow flies to the Southern Ocean. A dry climate and cooling breezes allow organic farming while achieving long hang-times and optimum ripeness, making for rich, compelling wines.
The Site
The Sijnn (the Khoisan word for the river) vineyards are perched on a gravelly plateau composed of broken slate and rolled river stones. The climate is temperate and very dry, the soils very poor (90% stone) which forces the vines to delve deep in their quest for water. This gives the wines an intense sense of terroir to complement the ripeness of the fruit.
The wines
Sijnn Malgas White: a blend of 74% Chenin Blanc, 23% Viognier and 3% Roussanne, all trained as bush vines producing very low yields. Handpicked, hand sorted, then lightly pressed and barrel fermented in French oak, then aged in a mix of new and used oak for 10 months before light fining. Bottled without filtration. Rich and creamy, with much of the character of a great white Burgundy.
Color: Bright yellow.
Nose: Rich notes of peach pith, honeysuckle blossom, some spiced honey and a touch of creamy vanilla.
Palate: Full and rich with enough structure to allow a decade of ageing.
Pair with rich fish and seafood dishes, roast chicken or game hen.
“I think it’s important for anyone who appreciates the efforts that go into making wine to try and track down a few bottles of Sijnn. There are few projects that epitomize such a soulful, pioneering approach to winemaking.”
the vineyards
When David and Rita Trafford visited the Malgas region for the first time in 2000, they were blown away with the incredible soils specifically in the Lemoentuin area, whose stony austerity reminded them of some of Portugal’s great vineyard sites. The two immediately set about finding a suitable property to purchase.
Today, Sijnn Wines are grown in Malgas along the Breede River - the only first growth appellation in the region. Starting with Tempranillo, the Traffords have now planted classics like Chenin Blanc and Syrah as well as Viognier, Trincadeira, Touriga Nacional and Roussanne.
Charla Bosman, Sijnn’s winemaker
Sijnn Kingfisher Red: This is a blend of Syrah, Touriga Nacional, Mourvedre, Trincadeira and Cabernet Sauvignon. The blend percentages vary by vintage depending on the size and quality of the harvest of each variety. Handpicked and carefully sorted in 14 kg flat trays in the cool mornings. Destemming and gentle crushing directly into small open top tanks and oak vats. Spontaneous natural yeast fermentation. 5 to 7 days on the skins, with caps punched down 2 to 3 times a day. Single pressing in traditional basket press and malolactic fermentation in barrels. Maturation in older French oak barrels for 21 months, with several rackings to gradually clarify the wine. The wine was bottled by hand, un-fined and unfiltered. 361 cases made.
Color: Deep red.
Nose: intense with dusty slate, licorice and dark berry fruit along with some spice and savory notes.
Palate: Bold and rich with spices, black berries. Soft and juicy tannins and a long, complex aftertaste. Best between 2018 and 2025
Will pair well with a rich stew, grilled steak, or a combination of meat and fruits such as lamb and apricots or duck and prunes.
