Donovan Rall is one of South Africa’s most exciting and talented winemakers. Starting in 2008, after gaining experience across Europe and Australasia, Donovan has crafted wines that are both honest and full of character. His meticulous approach to viticulture and winemaking stems from his experience with renowned figures such as Eben Sadie and Miles Mossop. He searches for old, forgotten vineyards and isolated sites with strong potential to produce wines of exceptional quality. In keeping with his natural, minimal-intervention ethos, Donovan Rall’s vineyards are farmed sustainably, with a focus on soil health and minimal chemical sprays, thanks to the strong winds that help reduce disease pressure in the region. Though not officially certified, Donovan’s commitment to environmentally responsible practices is evident in every bottle.

The grapes for this exceptional wine are sourced from two unique vineyards: “Kliptuin,” meaning “stone garden,” where the first vines were planted on the farm, and “Rivierblok,” which has sandier soils. Situated high up in the mountains, these vineyards experience long, cold winters and cooler-than-usual ripening periods, causing the grapes to ripen at least one to two months later than in regions like Stellenbosch.

The winemaking process is kept as natural and unintrusive as possible, with minimal intervention. Grapes are destemmed and pressed into tanks to settle overnight without any additives. The juice is then split, with 50% fermented in tank and the other half racked into second and third-fill French barriques. Spontaneous fermentation can last up to six months, and full malolactic fermentation occurs only in the barrel, while the tank portion remains fresh. After 10 months on the lees, the wine is racked, blended, and left to stabilise for another two months before bottling with minimal filtration.

The result is a wine with a restrained yet complex nose of stone fruit, fresh lime, green plum, and subtle oak nuances. Additional notes of nettle and dried herbs add intrigue. The palate is taut and mineral, offering a pure expression of citrus-driven fruit with gently nutty lees flavours. A crisp, limey acidity adds length and balance to the creamy texture from the barrel-fermented component, giving the wine a harmonious finish.

This wine is a perfect match for oysters, freshly caught line-fish, or a fresh summer salad—light yet flavourful dishes that let the wine’s vibrant profile shine.