South Africa, Stellenbosch
Chenin Blanc
Awards
96 pts Decanter Points
Tasting Notes
Certificates
Alcohol
13.5%
Analytical data
dry
Vinification
All grapes used in producing this wine are sourced from the Riverside vineyard on Keermont. Small parcels of grapes are selected according to optimal ripeness and harvested by hand. Fermentation is carried out by yeast which occurs naturally on the grape skins and in the winery. This wine was fermented and then spent a further 12 months maturing on the lees in seasoned French oak barrels (225L and 500L). Bottling was done by hand without filtration.
Vineyard
Planted in 1971, Riverside Chenin blanc is the oldest vineyard on Keermont. Soils on the banks of the upper Blaauwklippen River, in which the vines are planted, vary from sandy alluvial plains with river stone to red clay loam as one moves away from the river. This patchy old vineyard, at an elevation of 250m, delivers very low yields of incredible quality fruit year in and year out.
Soil Type
Tukula & Dundee
Viticulture
2018 was a very good growing season on Keermont, despite prevailing drought conditions. We had a fairly cold winter although it was drier than usual. Spring arrived early and the warm weather ensured an even budburst. Some good rain showers during the season allowed for the vines to grow sufficiently. We had warm days and cold nights which meant good tannin, colour, and flavour development. Harvest started at the beginning of February, we processed a very healthy 87 tons (13 varieties) over 7 weeks.
