Marras Piekenierskloof Grenache

Marras Wines craft unpretentious, soulful wines that capture the rugged spirit of the Swartland, where ancient bush vines thrive in granite and schist soils, yielding grapes rich with character and story. Founded by Martin “Marras” Lamprecht, a South African native raised in the close-knit community of Dundee, KwaZulu-Natal, our winery is driven by a passion for shared moments, honest flavours, and the joy of good company around a braai.

Marras graduated cum laude in B.Agric Cellar Technology from Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute in 2010, where his love for winemaking was sparked amid family gatherings and a thirst for discovery. He further honed his craft in France's Northern Rhône, where the misty valleys taught him the humility of letting the land lead, allowing varieties like Syrah, Grenache and Chenin Blanc to express their true essence.

On the Swartland's sun-drenched plains, Marras sought out exceptional parcels of old vines – lean, mineral-driven Chenin Blanc from Paardeberg's granite soils and silky Shiraz-Cinsault blends infused with smoke and spice from the Kasteelberg's schist. The Marras approach is hands-off and heartfelt: natural ferments and minimal intervention tequniques are used to honour the grapes' origins, crafting vibrant rosés with rooibos and citrus notes, bold reds bursting with plum and pepper, and textured whites that linger like a well-told story – all made to be approachable and memorable.

From their perch in the lofty Piekenierskloof region, these dryland bush vines have seen and lived through it all; extreme conditions include temperature fluctuations, while being rooted in a dry layer of sandstone and granite soils with just enough water to produce grapes that add truly exceptional depth and complexity.

The grapes for the Piekenierskloof Grenache are handpicked. They are then destemmed and crushed first thing the next morning to retain their freshness. The fruit enjoys a cold soak for three days to aid extraction and is then partially fermented in old oak barrels for 10 months.

Piekenierskloof Grenache, Marras has ripe cherry and wild strawberry on the nose and palate. This wine is bright and round and beautifully knitted with a fine minerality to the finish.

This beautifully perfumed wine is crying out for pork cooked over coals. It's natural spice will also lend it to many noodle dishes.