Chenin Blanc Chameleon 2023

The Chameleon Chenin Blanc from Jordan Estate comes from vineyards located on the cool slopes of Stellenbosch, in the heart of South Africa's Coastal Region. These plots benefit from sea breezes from False Bay, which moderate summer temperatures and extend the ripening period. The soils, composed mainly of decomposed granite and schist, offer ideal natural drainage and contribute to the wine's aromatic finesse. The varied exposure of the slopes allows for a beautiful diversity of Chenin Blanc expressions.

The Chenin Blanc grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, then gently pressed before undergoing temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks, designed to preserve aromatic purity and fruit freshness. A portion of the wine is then aged on its fine lees for several months, primarily in stainless steel tanks, with a smaller proportion potentially aged in oak barrels to add complexity and texture, before final blending and bottling at Jordan Estate.

This wine reveals notes of crisp green apple , juicy pear , and ripe citrus , supported by floral touches of white blossom and honeysuckle . Subtle nuances of light honey , hazelnut , and a hint of minerality complete the bouquet. On the palate, the texture is both ample and precise, driven by a lively acidity that brings tension and freshness, with a saline and persistent finish that highlights the purity of the fruit.

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.