The Giant Periwinkle

About

While diving off the Cape Agulhas coast near Suiderstrand winemaker Pierre Rabie noticed an unusually large cluster of edible sea snails known as alikreukel. 

That dive sparked the name for what was then a fledgling garagiste wine, and the delicacy gave rise to The Giant Periwinkle.

Merging a deep appreciation for the art of winemaking, a genuine love for the countryside, and an eagerness to continually learn, Pierre, alongside his partners Karen van Helden and Robert Stelzner, successfully realised the dream of owning a boutique wine farm.

The Team

The Giant Periwinkle wines are brought to you by a trio of friends who are passionate about viticulture. The team consists of:

• Pierre Rabie - Cellar Master
• Karen van Helden - Viticulturist (in training)
• Robert Stelzner - Social Marketer

The Giant Periwinkle is steadily gaining a name amongst wine lovers both locally and internationally for its quality and true terroir expression.

The Wine-Making Process

From start to finish, the winemaking process at The Giant Periwinkle differs from that employed by large commercial wine producers.

The grapes are sorted by hand to ensure that only those of the finest quality make it to the production stage. Then, whole-bunch fermentation and extended skin contact take place which allows more natural tannins and flavours to be imparted to the wines. Unfiltered, unfined wines retain their flavour profiles.  Some are made and stored in alternative vessels such as clay amphora, all contributing to an intelligent handcrafted product. 

White Wine

The Giant Periwinkle White Wines:

2022 Featherbush - Chenin Blanc

• Elegant certified old vine Chenin Blanc 
• Complex perfumed nose of jasmine and orange blossoms
• Finely textured palate shines with bright acidity, followed by lime, lemon, white pear, apricots and a lingering pithy finish

2022 Blanc Fumé North

• Grassy nettle and spicy fynbos on the nose
• Underpinned by seductive flavours of white pear, baked apple, blackcurrant and white peach
• The palate has a nervous edge of coated acidity and stony minerality with a complex finish and complexity

2022 Blanc Fumé South

• Opens with blackcurrant, passion fruit and helichrysum (kooigoed)
• Notes of lemon and lime offset its racy acidity
• The finish is long and salty with hints of chalky minerality

2018 Blanc Fume

• As good, if not better than the 2017
• Still to be rated 

2018 South Cape White - White Rhône Blend

• A ground-breaking blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc

2018 The Bard

• A blend of Semillon, Nouvelle, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc
• Tropical fruit aromas with lemon, lime, white peach and green apple

2018 Wind Scorpion Sauvignon Blanc

• 5-stars John Platter
• Passion fruit, lime, peach, capsicum and fynbos

2017 Blanc Fume - Sauvignon Blanc 

• 4.5-stars John Platter
• Sophisticated, cool climate, lightly wooded, 100% barrel-fermented 
• White peach and citrus, combined with hints of buchu and fynbos 

Red Wine

The Giant Periwinkle Red Wines:

2021 Sun Spider - Pinotage

• Cool-climate Pinotage flaunting its parentage
• Fresh, fragrant cherry and spice notes poised on a delicate, lively base with soft tannins on its dry farewell

2020 Kelp Forest - Syrah

• Cool-climate Syrah
• Lovely fruit purity with soft red berries, white pepper and perfume on the nose
• A silky-smooth texture with fine tannins on the palate

2018 Kelp Forest - Syrah

• Natural fermentation, firm tannins, excellent ageing potential 
• Violets, white pepper, allspice, cloves, dark fruit, blackberry, mulberry

2018 Sun Spider - Pinotage 

• An elegant cool climate Pinotage
• Generous red fruit and earthy notes 
• Medium-bodied with a long and savoury finish on the palate 

2017 Coenraad De Buys - Syrah / Grenache / Malbec

• Smooth tannins, naturally fermented and dry
• Violets, dark fruits, spices, pepper and herbs

2016 Baardbek - Red Rhône Blend (mainly Syrah / Cinsaut) 

• Naturally fermented with structured tannins
• Strawberries, leather, plums and perfume

Shop Online

Order your favourite The Giant Periwinkle wine online and enjoy the convenience of it being delivered to your doorstep. 

This is the perfect gift idea for fellow wine lovers.

Online Shop: www.giantperiwinkle.co.za

Reviews

“Wow, what a special day we had thanks to The Giant Periwinkle. My fiancé and I decided to sneak up to their cellar, hoping they would be open. As we drove up, Pierre was about to leave but immediately turned around to accommodate us. Pierre and Robert were divine. They sat with us, had us taste the most amazing vintages and all their ranges, and had the most beautiful conversation. After finishing our tasting, we couldn’t help but purchase 5 bottles, plus they gifted us two more due to our recent engagement and even invited us to lunch afterwards. It is truly the hidden gem of the Elim  Wine Region that you don’t want to miss. Thank you for such a divine experience, Pierre and Robert! You made our engagement day one we will never forget.”  Tori Meyer

“Very good red wines. Super friendly and flexible staff. We had booked a pick up of wine from The Giant Periwinkle but the weather prevented us from following through with the plan but it was no problem. I hope we can visit the winery next year. Can be highly recommended both for their wine and service.”  Peter Elgemark

“The Giant Periwinkle has some of the best wines available.”  De Wet Groenewald

“Worth the visit. The Giant Periwinkle has great undiscovered wines.” Henk Havenga

“The Giant Periwinkle is a personal experience with special John Platter 4 and 4.5-star wines direct from the cellar near Baardskeerdersbos.”  Robert Stelzner