South Africa, Stellenbosch
Chenin Blanc
Awards
- This wine has not yet received a recognition
Tasting Notes
Alcohol
13.5%
Analytical data
dry
Vinification
To best preserve purity of fruit, berry bunches are hand-harvested in the early morning and whole bunch pressed directly to concrete eggs for natural fermentation. The concrete eggs are neutral in flavour and allow the wine to remain vibrant and to express itself fully. Old vines are not necessarily fruit forward but often bring tremendous layers and complexity to the palate.
Vineyard
Another tough vintage for South African wineries as severe drought conditions continue. Early ripening varietals were more affected as they are harvested in the middle of summer, with later ones being hardier during this period. Whites and blanc de Noir have surprised us with good freshness and the reds show great promise with lower alcohols.
Soil Type
Another tough vintage for South African wineries as severe drought conditions continue. Early ripening varietals more affected as they are harvested in the middle of summer, with later ones being hardier during this period. Whites and blanc de Noir have surprised with good freshness and the reds show great promise with lower alcohols.
Viticulture
Waterford Estate has been working with Chenin Blanc grapes since 1999. Along the journey, a French winemaker from the world-famous Chenin Blanc region of the Loire valley, Cedric Lecareux, joined the Waterford team for the 2001 vintage. Here the true excitement of Chenin Blanc began for Waterford. Our Chenin Blanc grapes are sourced from Old Vines in Stellenbosch. The oldest were originally planted in 1966.
