2020 Stratigraphy Unconformity: A Swartland Sipper

Stratigraphy. It's probably a term you don't know unless you're a geology fan. In simple terms, it's the arrangement of rocks in layers or strata. And a stratigraphic unconformity is a break in time in an otherwise continuous rock record. What does that have to do with wine, and why is it on this wine's label? 

This wine is from the Swartland region of South Africa, which is a stratigraphic unconformity, part of the Cape Granite Suite. And it's said that, "Wines from the Swartland are as profound as the geology of their birth – unconforming beacons of viniferous hope." 

The wine has been imported by the Fat Barrel Wine Company, which is owned by Bob Lynde. Back in 1992, Bob began to fall in love with South Africa and he established Fat Barrel in 2007. He now represents a select group of independent South African estates, importing their wines to the U.S. and elsewhere. On his website, Bob states, "Our friends often describe their secret wine stash, their best wines, as the fat barrels, aka the good stuff. This is where the name of our company comes from."

The 2020 Stratigraphy Unconformity ($12-$15), with a 13.5% ABV, is a blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, and 10% Durif (Petite Syrah). There is almost no information about the production of this wine online, although I suspect it didn't undergo any oak aging. The wine is fruit forward, but not jammy at all, with delicious flavors of black cherry, plum, and raspberry. It also has a backbone of flinty minerality and a moderately long and pleasing finish. Smooth, easy drinking and with good acidity. This is a tasty wine on its own, although it would pair well with many dishes, from pizza to hamburgers. An excellent value wine, I recommend buying this by the case so you always have some on hand.