Secateurs Chenin Blanc 2025 by AA Badenhorst | South Africa’s great food wine from old Swartland bush vines

One of South Africa’s modern classics

Great food deserves a wine that belongs at the table rather than dominates it. Secateurs Chenin Blanc is exactly that sort of wine.. Produced by Adi Badenhorst in South Africa’s Swartland, the wine is sourced from old bush-vine vineyards whose naturally low yields deliver concentration, texture and remarkable purity of fruit.

Rather than pursuing overt richness, Badenhorst allows freshness and balance to define the wine. Gentle aromas of white peach, citrus blossom, ripe pear and honey are underpinned by a distinctive mineral character that gives the wine precision and length.

A wine made for the table

If there is one quality that defines great Chenin Blanc, it is its remarkable ability to accompany food.

During the CountryClubuk Tasting, Secateurs was served alongside Brett Graham’s exceptional Iberian-Duroc pork, where its lively acidity complemented the pork’s rich marbling while refreshing the palate after every mouthful of crisp crackling.

Yet the wine’s versatility extends far beyond roast pork. It is equally at home with grilled seafood, roast chicken, creamy cheeses and many Asian-inspired dishes, where its balance of fruit, texture and acidity allows it to complement ingredients that can prove challenging for many white wines.

Why we chose it

Every wine added to the CountryClubuk Cellar must earn its place.

Secateurs impressed us not simply because of its critics’ scores, but because of the way it performed at the table. It is approachable without being simple, serious without becoming demanding and possesses the rare ability to make both everyday meals and special occasions feel that little bit more memorable.

Critics’ View

James Suckling — 91 points

Praised for its expressive fruit, freshness and balance.

Tim Atkin MW — 90 points

Describes Secateurs as one of South Africa’s finest introductions to Chenin Blanc and one of the Cape’s outstanding everyday wines.

CountryClubuk Pairings

The CountryClubuk Tasting Panel particularly recommends Secateurs Chenin Blanc with:

Brett Graham’s Iberian-Duroc pork
Roast chicken with tarragon
Grilled scallops with soy sauce and ginger
Salmon with Asian flavours
Grilled white fish
Soft and creamy cheeses
Summer lunches enjoyed outdoors

Wine Details

Producer: AA Badenhorst Family Wines

Region: Swartland, South Africa

Vintage: 2025

Grape Variety: 100% Chenin Blanc

Closure: Screwcap

Drinking Window: Now to 2028

Serving Temperature: 8-10°C

PLEASE READ: CountryClubuk Club Rules and Terms and Conditions