Back in 2014, a notable wine project emerged in South Africa, marking its uniqueness with a collaboration between Michael Roats and winemaker Ryan Mostert. This project launched with two non-vintage wines, Smiley and Silwervis, later expanding to include a Syrah under the Terracura label. However, the project paused when Mostert departed, only to be revived with Chris Groenewald taking charge, now operating under the Pounding Grapes brand.
With the end of the Smiley line after its seventh version, Groenewald has taken the reins, planning to continue producing Syrah for Michael Roats under the Terracura label for the 2025 and 2026 vintages. Pounding Grapes has become the primary brand, while still embodying a sense of quirkiness and fun.
Groenewald’s winemaking philosophy leans towards natural practices but emphasizes cleanliness and clarity. He utilizes 26 plastic eggs in his winemaking processes and exclusively employs recycled bottles that have been re-washed by a Wellington company.
Recently, both Treve and I had the opportunity to taste the new releases and were notably impressed by their quality.
New Releases
Bringing Back the Joy 2025 Durbanville, South Africa
12% alcohol
A skin-contact Sauvignon Blanc from a vineyard overlooking Table Mountain. After 7 days on skins, it was basket pressed into a 300-litre barrel and a 525-litre plastic egg. The wine is fresh, chalky, and aromatic with a hint of mint. Tasting notes include crushed stone, apricot pith, and tangerine, with an energetic and tight profile. Rated 94/100 (JG)
Terracura Chenin Blanc 2025 Swartland, South Africa
13% alcohol
This single vineyard wine comes from unirrigated bush vines planted in 1998. It’s pressing process involved destemming followed by a night’s rest before pressing into two eggs. The wine is mineral, elegant, and concentrated with a notable acidity and texture. Rated 95/100 (JG)
Unicorns in the Sky 2025 Swartland, South Africa
A blend of 75% Sky vineyard and 25% Kweperfontein Chenin Blanc, showcasing lively pear and peach fruit, great depth, and purity. This blend fermented and aged in plastic eggs and barrels, waiting 11 months on full lees. Rated 95/100 (JG)
Fairies in the Garden 2025 Swartland, South Africa
A Semillon Gris from Kweperfontein, noted for its unique orange color and finesse with flavors of sour cherry and ripe pear. It features a notable spiciness yet retains balance throughout. Rated 94/100 (JG)
Just Leave Me Flowers on my Grave NV Swartland
A unique 500ml bottle Chenin Blanc that combines 65% wine from 2023 aged under flor and 35% fresh juice from 2026. It offers complexity with nutty and tangy notes, making for a rich palate. Rated 94/100 (JG)
Hard Candy Pinotage 2024 Durbanville, South Africa
13% alcohol
This Pinotage, grown amongst shale, is marked by sweet berry fruit and fresh texture. It offers juicy blackcurrant flavors with a vibrant and crunchy appeal. Rated 95/100 (JG)
Where the Lines Bend Cabernet Franc 2025 Stellenbosch, South Africa
11% alcohol
Sourced from Bottelary Hills, this wine underwent a unique fermentation method that emphasized purity and freshness with floral cherry notes and crisp acidity. Rated 94/100 (JG)
Terracura Syrah 2025 Durbanville, South Africa
13.2% alcohol
A whole bunch Syrah, it exudes a crunchy bright flavor profile adorned with floral notes under sleek black cherry fruit. Rated 96/100 (JG)
The wines from Chris Groenewald of Pounding Grapes offer a delightful encapsulation of South Africa’s vibrant winemaking scene while still maintaining a fresh and unconventional approach.