Cool-Climate Grenache Noir — Ripe Berries and Silk
100% Grenache Noir from the cooler pockets of the Breede River Valley. A wine with real character — ripe berries, silky texture and the kind of depth that cool-climate Grenache delivers when it’s done right. Part of Stettyn’s SAAF aircraft heritage range.
The Story
Part of Stettyn’s SAAF aircraft heritage range — named for the legendary “Growler” that served as South Africa’s long-distance patrol and search-and-rescue workhorse along our coastline. One of the fleet, number 1722, still makes the occasional ground run, drawing crowds with the roar of her Rolls-Royce Griffon engines. Powerful machines — and a fitting namesake for a wine with this much character.
Stettyn Family Vineyards has been making wine in the Breede River Valley since 1714 — that’s over 300 years of knowing exactly what works in this corner of the Cape. The Botha family has farmed these slopes for eight generations, and the cellar’s been running since 1963. Today winemaker JM Crafford works with 438 hectares of vines between Worcester and Villiersdorp, turning out wines that punch well above their price tag.
The vineyards sit where the Boland meets the Karoo, with cool breezes rolling off Stettyn Peak (1,821m) to keep things balanced even on the hottest days. Sandy loam, clay and alluvial soils across four vineyard blocks — Stettyn, Jonkersrivier, De Hoek and Glenrosa — give each grape variety exactly what it needs to do its thing.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Deep cherry-red with a ruby rim
- Nose: Ripe berries — strawberry, red cherry and raspberry — with warm spice, dried herbs and a hint of white pepper. The cool-climate origin shows in the freshness and lift
- Palate: Medium to full-bodied with concentrated ripe berry fruit and a silky texture that coats the palate. Bright acidity and fine-grained tannins keep everything balanced and lively
- Finish: Medium-length with lingering berry fruit, pepper and a clean, dry close
How It’s Made
100% Grenache Noir from Stettyn’s Breede River Valley vineyards — a cool-climate site where the variety hangs on to its fruit while building real complexity. The cool nights rolling off Stettyn Peak (1,821m) are key here, slowing ripening and locking in acidity. JM Crafford vinifies it to show off the variety’s signature character: ripe berries and that silky texture Grenache does better than almost any other grape.
Food Pairings
Perfect with roasted lamb, Mediterranean-style dishes, or a classic bobotie. Works a treat with charcuterie boards, grilled vegetables and anything off the braai with a bit of spice to it.
Awards & Ratings
New release — watch this space.
Cellaring: Drink now – 2028
The Bottom Line
Cool-climate Grenache from eight-generation Breede River Valley vineyards. Ripe berries, silky texture, real depth. Part of Stettyn’s SAAF aircraft heritage range — powerful machines, powerful wine.
