Mick and Jeanine Craven embody the artisanal, natural spirit of the Cape wine scene. Their wines, crafted from single vineyard, single varietal grapes exclusively within the Stellenbosch region, are known for their minimal intervention and subtle elegance. The Cravens are dedicated to showcasing the unique terroir of Stellenbosch.

Pinot Gris isn’t exactly an abundant grape planted in Stellenbosch, but it is something we have a lot of fun working with. Although a lot of the wine drinking world think and assume it is a ‘white grape’, it is in fact a lovely coppery/dark rose skinned grape. With this being the case, we just can’t waste that colour and delicious flavour trapped in the skins, so we ferment this wine like a red. The 2024 vintage saw a significant change in vinification. This year it was fermented and aged 100% in concrete tanks. The grapes were destemmed into the concrete tanks and given a light pump over once a day for gentle extraction of the lovely rose-coloured hue and chalky tannin. 2024 had such nice, developed tannins that we found only 6 days on skins was sufficient to give ample texture to the wine. 

Tasting Notes: Bright coral pink. Strawberry, melon, and pomegranate rise from the nose, with a hint of something smokey. The palate is mouth-watering and herbal, with raspberry and more strawberry flavors. This vintage is delicious, characterful, and memorable, continuing the Craven legacy of artisanal, textured wines that are both philosophical and simply good to drink. It's recommended slightly chilled for optimal enjoyment. 

Food Pairing: Fresh seafood (oysters, salmon), poultry, creamy pastas, mild cheeses (goat cheese, feta), spicy Asian dishes (Thai), roasted white meats, root vegetables, and even tangy items like salsa, thanks to its acidity and texture. 

From a Polkadraai Hills vineyard. Six days of skin contact (slightly less than usual) before maturation lasting seven months in concrete tank. Pale red in colour. Rose, musk, spice, raspberry and orange on the nose while the palate has more grunt than usual without being inelegant – dense and pleasantly creamy in texture, bright acidity lending verve, the finish gently savoury. Alc: 12.9%. CE’s rating: 93/100.