Provenance

The word 'provenance' refers to a place of origin, which can be applied to both wine and art. At Saronsberg, we view our wines as artworks of nature with a specific sense of origin. Thus Provenance was born.

Acclaimed South African artist Paul du Toit was commissioned to design the label for the Provenance range. The original painting was created through the use of thick oil paints on stretched canvas. With the philosophy that creativity, talent and skill are required to make fine wine, as well as fine works of art, the label aims to reflect the intimate relationship that the two talents share. The inspiration for the artwork on the label is deliberately kept quiet by Paul, since he wants to leave it open to interpretation. (A winemaker often keeps his secrets close for the same reason.) Various South African artists' works, among them Paul's, can be viewed at the cellar, where it forms part of owner Nick van Huyssteen's private collection. Nick has a life-long passion for art and views the wines we produce in a similar light.

Dewaldt Heyns, winemaker at Saronsberg, regards the only similarity between the Saronsberg and Provenance ranges their inherent quality. In philosophy and style the two ranges are completely different. Our vineyards are situated on diverse terroir units ranging from mid-valley weathered shale soils to structured red and yellow soils on the mountain foot slopes. The resulting wines reflect this terroir distinction, which is a great asset in blending. Whereas the Saronsberg range focuses on powerful, full-bodied wines with 90% or more new oak, we felt the need to showcase the elegant, fruit-driven wines which are the result of specific terroir units. A portion of the wines selected for the Provenance range originates from the elevated eastern and south-eastern foot slopes of Saronsberg mountain. These sites are generally cooler and provide more fruit-driven and elegant wines. Viticultural and cellar practices have been adapted to highlight the elegant attributes of the grapes destined for this range.

Provenance wines, although aged in oak barrels for periods of 14 to 18 months, only receive a third new oak, the rest being second fill. Thereby we still obtain the subtle influence of barrel ageing while respecting the fruit. The Provenance range enables us not only to showcase the diversity of our vineyards, but also to offer the wine lover a greater diversity of choice. The range consists of a Sauvignon Blanc, a Shiraz Rosé, a Shiraz, a Bordeaux-style blend and a Mourvèdre/Viognier blend.