In an era where sustainability and authenticity matter more than ever, Perdeberg’s Dry Land Collection stands as a confident expression of resilience, heritage and place. Crafted under demanding conditions, these wines prove that true quality is often born where nature tests its limits.
Sourced from dry-farmed vineyards that rely solely on seasonal rainfall, the Dry Land Collection reflects Perdeberg’s commitment to minimal intervention and honest winemaking. “Our aim is to create wines that genuinely reflect their environment,” says cellarmaster Albertus Louw. “We let the vineyard speak, and guide the wine rather than control it.”
Building on 85 years of winemaking excellence in Paarl, Perdeberg Wines carefully selects fruit from older bush vines and low-yielding vineyards rooted in resilient soils. These sites naturally limit vigour, producing smaller berries and bunches with remarkable flavour intensity. The result is wines of depth, balance and unmistakable character.
Dry-farmed vineyards demand precision and respect for the ecosystem. Hand-harvesting, cover crops and natural pest management play a vital role in maintaining vineyard health while enhancing concentration in the fruit. Less juice, more skin and slower ripening translate into wines with layered complexity, refined structure and generous drinkability.
Designed for discerning wine lovers who value craftsmanship and provenance, the Dry Land Collection offers exceptional quality and value. Each wine carries a symbolic name that honours the strength and perseverance required to thrive under these conditions. A narrative echoed in both the vineyard and the glass.
Each wine in the range holds a symbolic name that shares a characteristic of its source. The labels of Courageous Old Vine Barrel Fermented Chenin, Resolve Pinotage, Tenacious Syrah, Conqueror Cabernet Sauvignon, Joseph’s Legacy, Fortitude Fortified Chenin Blanc and Longevity Natural Sweet Chenin are testament to the endurance of these vineyards. Paying tribute to the masters who have contributed to Perdeberg’s wine-making history, the collection is completed by Roussouw’s Heritage white blend, named after Perdeberg Cellar founder Jan Roussouw, and Joseph’s Legacy red blend, after Joseph Huskisson, Perdeberg’s first full-time winemaker who pioneered new technologies in SA winemaking in the 1950s.
The Courageous Old Vine Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc showcases aromas of citrus, pear, peach and pineapple. The palate boasts hints of citrus, litchi and vanilla, while the finish is crisp with a well-defined acidity. Perfect on its own or served with seafood dishes, fragrant chicken curry and rich cheeses.
It’s a known fact that Pinotage vineyards flourish under dry-farmed conditions, and the Resolve Pinotage is no exception. In fact, it’s the perfect example of what a Pinotage should be. The dark colour, explicit aromatics and juicy structure of this wine are a testament to this traditional way of grape farming. Pairs beautifully with a seared tuna steak, lamb tikka masala or glazed pork ribs.
A modern-day Syrah, the Tenacious Syrah is a fine example of wine made under dry-farmed conditions. As is the case when using small berries, this wine shows a voluptuous bouquet and a rich aftertaste, leaving you with much food for thought. The nose is spicy with nuances of white pepper, cloves, fresh tobacco and violets. On the palate, you get tones of mulberries, cherries and fynbos, while the structure is broad with delicate tannins and a fresh aftermath. This stellar wine also pairs perfectly with a seared tuna steak, lamb tikka masala or glazed pork ribs.
The Conqueror Cabernet Sauvignon is a true reflection of a modern-day Cab, showing typical cultivar characteristics with perfumed aromas. On the nose, you’ll find hints of prune, blackberry, blueberry and vanilla, while the palate is structured with soft tannins that end in a long finish. Best enjoyed on cold wintry nights in front of the fireplace or with friends whilst tucking into a hearty oxtail casserole, ostrich steak or beef korma.
Fortitude Fortified Chenin Blanc is a luxuriously golden wine that invites slow sipping and unhurried moments. Layers of ripe peach, sun-dried apricot and poached pear glide effortlessly across the palate, delivering a rich yet beautifully balanced sweetness. Silky and rounded in texture, it finishes long and warm, making it the perfect companion to candlelit dinners, mature cheeses, or a decadent dessert shared long after the table has been cleared.
The Longevity Natural Sweet Chenin Blanc is an exceptional example of the diversity of Chenin Blanc. With its appealing deep gold colour, enticing aromas and vibrant mouthfeel, this wine is made to please all of the wine senses. Enjoy with your dessert or pair with sticky sweet koeksisters, mature cheeses or any other sweet treats.
The Roussouw’s Heritage white blend reflects the power of diversity coming together to create something beautiful. Fragrant citrus, passion fruit, litchi and white pear are evident on the nose. The palate is rich with vanilla and ends with a crisp acidity, making it pair well with grilled line fish, pasta or chicken.
Completing the range is the Joseph’s Legacy red blend, which delivers prominent black pepper, cedar, biltong spice, cherry, plum and vanilla notes on the nose. The palate is structured and bold with layered tones of cloves, spice, coriander and chocolate icing. Over time, complexity will increase, and aromas are expected to become spicier, leathery with hints of cigar smoke. This wine pairs well with flame-grilled rump steak, spicy venison and beef casserole or braaied skilpadjies.
Made in a new-world style, the Dry Land Collection retails for about R200 per bottle on average, available directly off the farm, online shop, or from most specialist wine stores nationwide.