Only the second release of this high end South – African Chenin Blanc. After
the success of the first release with extremely high ratings from a few respected
wine fundi’s it is time to show our new one. Vintage 2018 was very good for
whites, although we were in severe drought conditions the early ripening
Chenin grape showed remarkably well. This wine is made from our oldest
organic block on the farm. It is planted in deep clay soils and the yields are
kept naturally low. We prefer bunches that get a good bit of sun exposure to
show more the tropical aromas of this popular South – African grape.
Grapes are picked by hand usually during February before the heat waves.
We do crazy things with it in the cellar and very much do everything that you
are not allowed in modern South – African winemaking. We only destem
50% and the rest is allowed to ferment with carbonic maceration for 3 weeks
with berries and stems. We keep it cool and press around 2/3rd of
fermentation. The fermentation is then finished in concrete eggs and old
larger style barrels. All fermentation is done wild, warm and with no sulfur.
Malolactic fermentation also happens. The wine spends 11 months on the lees
with some stirring and rolling in the barrels to add richness and creaminess.
So very much high risk, high reward.
Fresh light straw colour. A bit of a funky nose with some ginger, pineapple
and stewed fruit evident. On the palate explosions of fruit with white stone
fruit and some ripe golden delicious apple in abundance. Palate is well
balanced with a good lingering acidity and a fantastic minerality that is not
typical for a South – African wine. A long finish and a wine that will age
gracefully.