Stellenrust Chenin Blanc

General information:
A cool winter, allowed for early budding and foliage development for these old bush vines in Spring to create a good environment for the phenolic and sugar ripening through summer. Blended from multiple older bush vine vineyards this Chenin is an overperformer within its class and a benchmark for the South African export market of Chenin Blanc.

In the cellar:
Grapes are harvested from vineyards planted to decomposed granite and vary in age, but no younger than 30 years and up to 48 years. It is allowed short skin contact and natural settling in the tank. 16% is fermented in 3rd and 4th fill French oak barrels and 84% in stainless steel after which both portions are kept 5 months on the fermentation lees before it is blended and fined. Fermentation is a slow natural process and wild yeast ferments like this can take up to 3 months to finish.

Vineyards: 30 - 43-year-old bush vines Bottelary Hills

Time spent on lees: 5 months 16% in older French oak and 84% in stainless steel.

Food pairing:
This Chenin Blanc shows strong lime and some tropical fruit on the nose with a mineral palate of grape fruit and pear drop making it a great accompaniment to dishes such as smoked chicken salad on a warm summer’s day or thinly sliced carpaccio served on a bed of rocket with a lemon olive oil and black pepper dressing.