Elgin Ridge Wines, Elgin

Having sold their successful IT business in London, Brian and Marion Smith searched wine regions to realise their dream to make outstanding, small quantity wines, eventually settling on the unique terroir of the Elgin Valley in South Africa. Certified organic and using many biodynamic practices, ploughing is done by Maddox, a gentle Percheron horse, and pest control is handled by ducks patrolling the vineyards.

The 282 Wines are named to reflect the vineyards’ altitude – 282 metres. Sauvignon Blanc is fermented and aged in tank. The Chardonnay is barrel fermented and aged in old oak. A blend of 3 clones fermented individually in stainless steel, 500 litre bins and concrete egg with a portion of carbonic and 20% of whole bunch. The 282 Pinot Noir is a blend of 3 clones fermented individually in stainless steel, 500 litre bins and concrete egg with a portion of carbonic and 20% whole bunch. Chaos White is a limited production wine bottled in 50cl, made from Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, consisting of several components: some skin contact, some whole bunch and some free run juice. This represents the very best of new wave wines from South Africa.