South Africa, Stellenbosch
Chenin Blanc
Awards
4.5 stars Platter's South African Wine Guide
95 pts Tim Atkin
Certificates
Alcohol
13.0%
Analytical data
semi-dry
Vinification
Whole bunch pressed grapes fermented with wild yeast in matured French Puncheons. It is also aged in these barrels sur lie for 10-12 months. In line with our ultra-natural and terroir-driven approach, the wine received no enzymes, no fining and was bottled unfiltered. Although the wine is drinking well now, we recommend further cellaring, as the wine will improve with maturation for another 10 years.
Vineyard: Longridge Wine Estate
This vineyard enjoyed the refreshingly cool breezes from False Bay (Atlantic Ocean) during the day and cool night air flowing down the mountain, resulting in even ripening of the berries and good natural acidity. The macro climate is maritime, with cold wet winters and sunny warm summers. Certified heritage block with SA Old Vine Project, planted 1981.
Soil Type
Rooted in the oldest viticulture soil in the world, it is made up of decomposed granite on the lower slopes of the Helderberg Mountain.
Viticulture
Harvested from a 0.6 ha, 38-year-old single vineyard, it is naturally low yielding at only 3 tons/ha, or 19 hectolitre/ha. Biodynamic (organic) practices are followed and therefore no herbicides or chemical sprays were used in the production of these grapes. The fruit was hand-picked in small picking bins to ensure that perfect grapes reached the cellar.
