Hasher Family Wines Profile

Hasher Family Wines' bottlings have rather unusual names – the team believes sobriquets tell a story, and are a nod to the origin of a wine. The Batrachella Pinotage 2022, awarded the 2025 International Wine Challenge Pinotage Trophy, is no exception.



The 180 hectares acquired in 2021 by Belgian co-owners Frederik Herten and Céline Haspeslagh (husband and wife), and Xavier Haspeslagh and Christine Bouckaert (Céline's uncle and his wife), comprises vineyards planted mostly to chardonnay and pinot noir, the production facility, the home Frederik and Céline share with their children, and some of the Hemel-en-Aarde's most diverse fauna and flora.

Believing that every vintage is an expression of character and depth that flows from the valley's ecosystems, rhythms and intricate patterns, the entity aims to craft authentic wines exuding a distinct sense of place.

To do so, the team has embraced regenerative farming practices in the vineyards - new pruning methods, organic fertiliser and composting, permanent cover crops, and endemic predator bugs) as well as minimal interference in the cellar, where Natasha Williams (ex-Bosman Family Vineyards and owner of her own brand, Lelie van Saron) has held the winemaker reins since 2023. "Winemakers are facilitators of an ancient art, marked by a profound respect for traditional methods. Our role is to guide nature gently, allowing it to do what it does best while we provide subtle interventions, when necessary," she says.

Further proof of Hasher's ethos of authenticity and respect for nature is its participation in the WWF Conservation Champion program and the 60ha (of 180ha) that the co-owners have set aside for conservation. There are some 14 species of fauna and flora of conservation concern on their land, notably in the wetlands where South Africa's smallest amphibians (they have a snout-vent length of just 15 - 18mm) have been spotted. "And heard," explains Frederik. "While tiny-tiny, the Batra's 'voice' is so very loud."



The 'Batra', or Microbatrachella capensis, give their name to Hasher's award-winning pinotage. The north-east facing vineyards which the grapes come from were planted in 1998 and 2000 to a density of 4000 vines a hectare, and subsequently Guyot-pruned on standard VSP trellises. Here their ancient decomposed granite slopes overlay a saprolite clay mother rock with quartzite inclusions, and overlook the Onrus River and cold South Atlantic Ocean just five kilometres away. The moderate maritime climate allows for slow and even ripening, promoting the development of fresh red fruit flavours and aromas.

Stylistically, cooler climate pinotage is typically brighter, lighter, and more restrained than those from warmer climates such as Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek, as proven by Batrachella. Frederik believes the age of the vines – these are among the oldest in the Hemel-en-Aarde – also contribute to the wine's depth and complexity, while the granitic soils in combination with a judicious oak regime (11 months, 228L Burgundian oak, 10% new) contribute to the elegance and velvety tannin structure.



To Frederik's knowledge, the site is the world's only cool-climate, granite-derived vineyard. 'Hence, a rare wine named for a rare amphibian, " he says.

Christine Bouckaert adds: "As a relatively new winery, participation in the IWC provides us with essential global exposure while offering rigorous feedback that drives our continuous pursuit of winemaking excellence. We are thrilled with the recognition our Batrachella Pinotage has received, especially as the variety celebrates its centenary this year. Our IWC success demonstrates that, when crafted with care, pinotage produces wines of remarkable quality and deserving of international recognition."



www.hasherfamilywines.co.za
Nauticus Sauvignon Blanc, Marimist Chardonnay, Ernest Pinot Noir, Cyriel Cabernet Franc,
Batrachella Pinotage
Tasting room – indoor (by reservation only), outdoor (walk-ins welcome)
Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Hermanus, 7201