Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch 2022

Originating from the slopes of Stellenbosch, in the heart of the Western Cape, this Chenin Blanc comes from carefully selected parcels on decomposed granite and slate soils, exposed to the cool breezes from the Atlantic Ocean and False Bay. The vineyard benefits from a temperate climate, characterized by sunny days and cooler nights, promoting a slow ripening of the grapes. The mosaic of terroirs, slopes, and altitudes allows for a precise and balanced expression of Chenin Blanc, combining concentration, freshness, and mineral tension.

The Chenin Blanc grapes are hand-harvested from selected plots in Stellenbosch and then gently pressed as whole bunches. The must is gravity-fed into large-capacity French oak barrels and neutral tanks, where fermentation proceeds slowly with indigenous yeasts. The wine is then aged on its fine lees for several months, with limited stirring to preserve tension and aromatic purity, before bottling without excessive filtration.

This wine reveals notes of ripe yellow apple , juicy pear , and quince , complemented by floral touches of white blossom and honeysuckle , as well as spicy and woody nuances of vanilla , sweet spices , and toasted hazelnut . A subtle mineral structure adds depth and precision. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and textured, supported by a lively and well-integrated acidity, with a long, mouthwatering, and slightly saline finish that underscores the elegance of Chenin Blanc.

The first grape vines were planted in South Africa by Dutch settlers in the 1650s, although wine production did not really take off until the arrival of French Protestants in the 1680s with their skills and knowledge of viticulture. Stellenbosch is also a historic wine region, with the first vineyards being planted there in the 1690s. Today, South Africa is one of the most important wine producing countries in the Southern Hemisphere. With over 300 years of winemaking history, it is often described as a bridge between the Old and New Worlds. The majority of wines are produced using New World winemaking techniques, but they often share more in common stylistically with their Old World counterparts. Since the end of apartheid, South African wine has received international attention and acclaim for its wide variety of styles. South Africa's wine industry is spread across the lush and rugged landscape of the Western Cape. Here, the abundance of mountains, valleys and plateaus allows winemakers to produce a wide variety of styles. Vineyards are also found in the Orange River region of the Northern Cape, where the flat, arid landscape is dominated by the Kalahari Desert. Most of South Africa's wine regions have a Mediterranean climate, heavily influenced by the meeting of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The country's signature grape variety is Pinotage, an indigenous cross of Pinot Noir and Cinsault that is rarely found in quantity in other wine-producing countries. Shiraz (Syrah) is also widely planted, as are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (often combined in a Bordeaux blend). South African Chardonnay, Chenin and Sauvignon Blanc have become popular internationally in recent years.