Chenin Blanc Lievland 2023

Grapes were hand-picked at 22.5 balling after which they were immediately crushed, destemmed and pressed. After overnight settling, the juice was racked off the gross lees. The juice was then transferred to a combination of stainless steel tank (50%) and neutral oak (50%). Fermentation was controlled at 14-16° C over a 14-day period and the wine was left on the lees for two months, resulting in a rich and textured palate.

The old-vine grapes for this wine come primarily from vineyards located on “Eenzaamheid” in the Agter-Paarl region, a 7th-generation family farm owned by the Briers-Lauw family. 30% of the wine comes from a dry-farmed bush-vine vineyard planted in 1976. It is on a South-facing slope and produces grapes that show more stone fruit and mineral, flinty characteristics. The balance of the wine is from a dry-farmed bush-vine vineyard planted in 1983.

Made from old-vines ranging between 38 and 45 years old, the wine has a light straw colour with a golden hue, showing notes of white peach, citrus and pineapple on the nose. The mouthf eel is rich and ripe and is coupled with a vibrant acidity. Tying all the elements together on the finish is a compelling minerality. This wine has the intensity and structure to develop gracefully over the next 5 -7 years.

Pairs well with cheddar and gruyere.