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KIKI HUGHES IS DOING HER MASTER’S IN WILDLIFE FORENSIC<br />
GENETICS WHILE MANAGING THE SALES AND MARKETING OF NATIVO<br />
AFTER LEARNING FROM LOCAL WINEMAKERS, BILLY AND KIKI ARE<br />
NOW SPEARHEADING THE WINEMAKING AT NATIVO WINES<br />
While Emile acknowledges the importance of terroir, his focus remains on customer satisfaction,<br />
leveraging the Swartland’s diverse and high-quality grapes to craft exceptional blends.<br />
“Just call me the jeweller,” he laughs, “as the Swartland offers a treasure trove of possibilities, where<br />
every grape variety is a gem waiting to be discovered and polished into a crown-worthy blend.”<br />
NATIVO WINES: LOYAL TO PLACE, NOT STYLE<br />
There’s a solidity like no other when a father and daughter share a mutual interest, and Argentinian-born<br />
Billy Hughes and his daughter Kiki embody this bond. They embarked on their<br />
farming journey in 2000, unaware of the groundswell of energy rallying to save old vines from<br />
imminent destruction.<br />
“We were among the pioneers to obtain formal organic certification, striving to elevate it to the<br />
highest standards,” recalls Billy. “We soon realised that the winemakers here were incredibly<br />
passionate, well-travelled, and unafraid to innovate.”<br />
To Kiki, the Swartland hasn’t changed much; instead, consumer perception has evolved.<br />
“South Africa was once conservative, but the Swartland broke the mould.”<br />
Billy beams as he discusses their wines submitted for tasting. “We took Tempranillo harvested<br />
on the same day but made one from destemmed fruit and another using 50% whole bunch —<br />
curious to see the outcomes. Both received gold medals.”<br />
According to Kiki, the main distinctions lie in the tannin structure of each wine and how they<br />
are perceived on the palate. “Oak only plays a subtle role; we want the fruit to take centre stage.”<br />
After learning from seasoned winemakers, last year marked the first time father and daughter<br />
worked alone in the cellar. “We’re eager to showcase the malleable character of Tempranillo,”<br />
says Billy. “It’s drought-resistant and can yield a big, tannic wine or a fruitier, elegant one. Ultimately,<br />
vintage variation will always be a factor in this Mediterranean climate, where grapes<br />
thrive with minimal water.<br />
48 SPRING 2024 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE
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