Olifantsberg Soul of the Mountain The Matriarch is a sophisticated, highly acclaimed white blend hailing from the steep, wind-swept slopes of the Breedekloof region in South Africa. Crafted by talented winemaker Elizma Visser, this flagship cuvée captures the raw, pristine energy of the Olifantsberg Mountain. Combining Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, and Chenin Blanc, it represents a masterful expression of high-altitude South African winemaking that balances intense mineral character, rich texture, and vibrant acidity.

Why You'll Love It

This is a deeply layered, quiet-yet-powerful white wine designed for those who appreciate serious texture, nuance, and complexity. Sourced from unique, echalas-staked vines planted on poor shale and schist soils, the grapes benefit from cool mountain temperatures that preserve vivid aromatic precision. The wine offers an incredible alternative to top-tier white Rhône blends or oaked Chardonnay, delivering a stunning interplay between waxy stone fruit, exotic spice, and a mouth-watering, savoury salinity.

Vineyard & Production

The fruit is harvested from seven distinct, high-altitude vineyard sites situated between 300 and 480 metres above sea level on the Olifantsberg Mountain. The vines grow on shale, schist, and sandstone soils underpinned by clay, forcing roots deep into the earth. Harvesting is staggered across multiple picks to capture both vibrant natural acidity and rich phenolic maturity. In the winery, Roussanne is whole-bunch fermented in egg-shaped vessels, Grenache Blanc undergoes a brief skin-contact fermentation, and Chenin Blanc adds further vibrancy. Each component is matured separately in oak for seven months before blending, followed by an additional three months in large oak foudres to harmonise without overpowering the fruit with wood flavours.

Tasting Notes

Displaying a luminous golden straw colour in the glass, this wine opens with a seductive, complex bouquet of citrus peel, white blossoms, beeswax, and wild fennel, complemented by subtle nuances of exotic bazaar spice. The palate is full-bodied, round, and beautifully textured, revealing layered flavours of juicy quince, poached pear, and ripe peach balanced by a lively line of tangy acidity. A distinct phenolic grip and mineral undertones carry through to an exceptionally long, dry, and savoury finish.

Perfect Pairings

Thanks to its rich texture, complex spice notes, and refreshing acidity, this white blend is an outstanding match for rich seafood and fragrant, gourmet poultry dishes. It pairs magnificently with seared scallops, lobster thermidor, pan-roasted sea bass with fennel, and roasted chicken or pork loin in a creamy mustard sauce. It is also an excellent companion to aromatic Cape Malay fish curries, wild mushroom risottos, and aged goat's cheeses.

Grape Varieties

Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, and Chenin Blanc

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Economy (2-3 working days) – Orders placed before 2pm (Monday to Friday) are dispatched the same day.

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