Brunia Wines is the success story of brother duo Brett and Wade Sander, who share the mantra, outstanding wines require exceptional grapes
The Sander family bring diversity to a traditionally white industry. They are representative of a cultural shift toward inclusion and provide positive inspiration to future generations of South African winemakers.
The farm is nestled within the Sondagskloof Valley, just 17km east of Stanford. Boasting some of the most biodiverse fynbos, a biome of rich and varied plant species indigenous to the southern coast of South Africa. With the increasingly rare Brunia laevis shrub also calling the Sondagskloof Valley home, inspiring the range of boutique wines name.
Wade, the Oenologist, has a gentle approach in the cellar opting for more natural winemaking techniques. Wild yeast fermentation and minimal wine additions allows the wine to mirror what Brett does in the vineyards. A firm believer in Agroecology, which is farming led by nature, an ecological view on agriculture, Brett deploys minimal intervention. Agroecology is more than a farming ethos; it forms the backbone to Brunia’s ethical principles. Empowering members of the local community, Brunia also provide education on organic and sustainable farming.
Brunia stretches over 417Ha of land with only 4% under vine. The Sander’s brothers’ vision of biodynamic and organic farming honours and champions the surroundings, encouraging the development of healthy soils for farming that can work in harmony with the flora and fauna of Sondagskloof. Their joint passion for the land pours into the wine, offering a purer expression of grape.
Brunia’s vineyards are situated in the cool climate region of Walker Bay. Close to the ocean, the vineyards experience moderate day time temperatures and cool nights. The famous Cape Doctor offers a well needed cool breeze through the vineyards in the summer heat. The resulting effect is a longer ripening time for the grapes on the vine, offering more delicate and restrained final wine.
The wines
Roberson has exclusively imported to the UK two of the Brunia range. We have a limited parcel of Sondagskloof Syrah and Sondagskloof White available now.
Brunia White – is a barrel fermented white blend, consisting of 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Semillon. The base of Sauvignon blanc is hand harvested from 13-year-old vines, growing from the steep granitic soils of the Koue Berg (Cold Mountain). The addition of grapes from the 11-year-old Semillon vines adds complexity and depth to the wine. Each cultivar was vinified separately and blended to perfection during rigorous trials. This is a linear expression of this classic white varietal blend, with an energetic acidity and chiselled structure, possesses great ageing potential. Drink 2022 – 2026.
Brunia Syrah – for each wine a specific and unique parcel is chosen. The Brunia Syrah is the product of sustainably farmed 12-year-old vines, meticulously hand harvested at perfect physical and phenological ripeness. Using 40% whole bunch fermentation has given the wine perfume and structure. This Syrah is a delightful expression of cool-climate South Africa where fruit quality drives the wine quality. Drink 2022-2026.
Gorgeous aroma that is intensely peppery, pure and utterly Syrah, with a touch of smoked meat, masses of black fruit and just a light note of herbs. The oak shows lightly as the wine opens but it is in harmony with the fruit. Extremely fine tannins. Long, cool and extremely peppery on the finish. – Julia Harding MW
