Tasting South Africa’s New Wave: Sadie Family Columella, Testalonga, Mullineux, Alheit & More!

G'day guys! Welcome back to another Different Drop deep dive. This week, we are looking at the absolute vanguard of modern South African wine, tasting through the best of the best from the last 20 years. We've been talking about doing this for a year because the energy and dynamism coming out of regions like the Swartland and the Western Cape right now is just unbelievable. We lined up six of the very best producers to see what makes South African wine so captivating on the world stage, and honestly, this lineup is insane. From electric old-vine Chenin Blancs to Eben Sadie's legendary 'Columella' blend, this is world-class booze. Plus, expect plenty of tragic 90s cricket banter (apologies to Jonty Rhodes and Herschel Gibbs). 🍷 WINES TASTED ON THE BENCH: Alheit Vineyards 2022 'Cartology': An epic snapshot of Cape heritage vines, blending old bush vine Chenin Blanc with a splash of 90-year-old Semillon. Crackling acidity and glorious texture. https://www.differentdrop.com/product... Savage 2022 White Blend: Duncan Savage is an absolute weapon. This 75% Sauv Blanc and 25% Semillon blend is rich, textural, and drinks more like a top-tier White Bordeaux. https://www.differentdrop.com/product... Testalonga Grenache Blanc: Craig and Carla Hawkins are the poster children of the Swartland natural wine movement. This zero-skin-contact white from their new estate is a surprisingly savoury, salty, and structured banger. https://www.differentdrop.com/product... Donovan Rall 2023 Cinsault: Donovan is making some seriously good booze. This Cinsault from iron-rich soils in Darling is juicy and popping with fruit, but with a wicked savoury, amaro-like twist. https://www.differentdrop.com/product... Mullineux 2020 'Granite' Syrah: Chris and Andrea Mullineux are incredibly decorated, and for good reason. This Syrah is elegant, brooding, and feels incredibly regal and old-world in style. https://www.differentdrop.com/product... Sadie Family 2023 'Columella': The main event. Eben Sadie is a wizard, and his flagship Rhone-style red blend is an absolute masterclass in blending, balance, and finesse. https://www.differentdrop.com/product... SHOP THE WINES: https://www.differentdrop.com/collect... ⏱️ CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Intro & The South African Wine Revolution 2:35 - Alheit Vineyards 'Cartology' 7:10 - Savage White Blend 11:35 - Testalonga Grenache Blanc 16:55 - Donovan Rall Cinsault 22:45 - Mullineux 'Granite' Syrah 28:05 - Sadie Family 'Columella' 34:20 - Wrap Up Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and drop a comment below letting us know your favourite South African producers - we genuinely want to know what else we should be drinking! Cheers! Music by Bensound Artist: Benjamin Tissot License code: JBR2MNX4QOZC3BP1