Paulus Wine Co

Paulus Wine Co. is a South African producer founded in 2018 by Paul Jordaan and Pauline Roux, two winemakers with serious credentials who've chosen to focus exclusively on Chenin Blanc from the Swartland and Stellenbosch. Neal Martin praised their 2019 Bosberaad as among the finest expressions of Chenin Blanc he has encountered in recent memory. If you're looking for soulful, site-specific Chenin Blancs made with minimal intervention and old-vine intensity, this is where to start.

About Paulus Wine Co.

Paul Jordaan spent 12 years as winemaker at Sadie Family Wines, one of South Africa's most respected names. Pauline Roux brings experience from vintages at Domaine Drouhin in Oregon, Brokenwood in Australia's Hunter Valley, and acclaimed Swartland producers Mullineux and AA Badenhorst. Together, they've built Paulus Wine Co. around a simple conviction: organic viticulture, low-intervention winemaking, and the terroir expression of Chenin Blanc.

The Bosberaad Chenin Blanc originates from the Siebritskloof Valley, positioned within the Paardeberg's southern edge and bordering the Swartland region. This parcel is owned by Franziska Wickens of Waterval Farm, a third-generation grower. Planted in 1980, these dryland bush vines thrive on the east-facing ridge with afternoon shade protection, yielding intensely concentrated fruit in modest quantities. The vineyard's decomposed granite soils create the balance and freshness that defines the wine.

The Bartàs Chenin Blanc comes from a separate vineyard in Helderberg, the southernmost region of Stellenbosch. These bush vines were planted in 1978 and are rooted in shallow granite soils just five kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean. The maritime influence shows in the wine's character.

Both wines are made identically, following Paul and Pauline's minimalist philosophy. Harvested by hand and whole-bunch pressed, the fruit goes into aged oak vessels and concrete eggs where spontaneous fermentation occurs. The wines age for 10–12 months, then are bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal sulphur additions. This approach lets the vineyard speak. The Bosberaad exhibits waxy texture and lively acidity alongside notes of apple skin, papaya and quince, uniting power with delicate expression. The Bartàs is more Loire-like—lifted aromas of green apple, lemongrass and wet stone, elegant and poised on the palate, with mouthwatering acidity and notes of lemon pith and sea spray softened by creamy texture.

Paulus Wine Co. Wines in Our Collection

The 2024 Bosberaad Swartland Chenin Blanc is the producer's flagship and a solid starting point. James Suckling scored it 93 points, and Vivino users rate it 4.2. This wine expresses the intensity of old bush vines in the Paardeberg's granite soils—it's concentrated yet balanced, with enough structure to age but immediate appeal if you want to drink it now. The Bosberaad works as an aperitif but also partners well with richer dishes where its acidity cuts through. If you find the Bosberaad, the Bartàs Chenin Blanc from Helderberg offers a different perspective on the same grape—lighter, more floral, and driven by coastal freshness. Both are unfined and unfiltered, so you may see some sediment; that's a sign of minimal intervention and authenticity. For anyone seeking serious, hand-made Chenin Blanc from a producer who knows the craft, these are essential bottles.

Food Pairing

The Bosberaad's waxy texture and ripe stone fruit suit seafood risotto, roasted scallops, or mushroom pasta. Its acidity also handles goat's cheese well. The Bartàs, leaner and more mineral, pairs beautifully with oysters, grilled white fish, asparagus, and lighter seafood preparations. Both wines' bright acidity refreshes the palate alongside creamy sauces or buttered vegetables. Try either with roasted chicken or herb-crusted fish.

What's the connection between Paul and Pauline's backgrounds and their current winemaking?

Paul spent 12 years as Sadie Family Wines' winemaker. Pauline worked vintages at Domaine Drouhin (Oregon), Brokenwood (Hunter Valley), and Swartland producers Mullineux and AA Badenhorst. Both bring hands-on experience from top producers to Paulus Wine Co.

Why are these Chenin Blancs unfined and unfiltered?

Paul and Pauline embrace minimalist winemaking philosophy. Unfined and unfiltered bottling with minimal sulphur additions preserves the wine's natural character and reflects their low-intervention approach to production.

What makes the vineyard sites special?

Bosberaad: 1980 dryland bush vines in the Paardeberg's granite soils with afternoon shade. Bartàs: 1978 bush vines in shallow granite soils five kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean. Both old-vine sites produce concentrated, balanced fruit.