Treinspoor 2025: Tinta barocca planted in greywacke sandstone & granite quartz formations. 

Treinspoor takes its name from the old railway line running past the vineyard. Planted in 1974 on alluvial sandstone, granite and quartz soils in Malmesbury, this old bush vine Tinta Barocca combines the textural weight of Nebbiolo with the aromatic lift of Syrah, a rare and rewarding combination when farmed with restraint.

Fermentation runs 30% whole cluster and 70% destemmed in concrete for 25 to 30 days, with only gentle bucket overs since Tinta Barocca's abundant tannin is easily over extracted. After basket pressing, the wine ages 11 months in 45 year old conical wooden casks, old enough to add no wood flavour, just a slow, controlled reaction with oxygen. A further month settles the wine in concrete, and 65mg/L of sulphur is added two weeks before bottling from the fine lees. Yield: 30 hl/ha.

Tasting Notes: Earthy graphite and cedarwood notes extend into lead pencil aromatics, coated by ripe plum and dark purple fruit. The palate is tight and compressed, with firm, Nebbiolo like tannin that calls for proper cellaring. Fifteen years in the making on this vineyard, the 2025, from the Sadie family's smallest ever harvest here, is the wine they always believed the site could produce. The earthy, graphite aromas extend into cedarwood and lead-pencil aromatics, coated by ripe plum and purple-fruit aromas. This wine just sits at the perfect level of ripeness and definition. Drinks elegantly and in a very lighter version of Tinta. 

Food Pairing: With its earthy graphite tones, cedarwood aromatics, and ripe plum fruit wrapped in firm Nebbiolo‑like tannins, Treinspoor is a red that shines alongside braised lamb shanks, venison with juniper, or smoky barbecue brisket. The wine’s savoury depth and structure are beautifully softened by aged cheeses like Manchego or Gouda, while porcini risotto or roasted portobello mushrooms echo its earthy core. Decanting before serving allows the wine’s layered aromatics to unfold, making it a perfect partner for hearty, slow‑cooked dishes.

ANALYSIS: ALC 13.5% | TA 5.9g/L | pH 3.42 | RS 1.8g/L