Technical Specifications
Alcohol 11.8%
Residual Sugar 1.4 g/L
pH 3.6
Total Acidity 5.7 g/L
Calories (estimated) 100 kcal / glass
150ml glass100 kcal
750ml bottle500 kcal
Grape Varieties Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc100%
Region Bot River
Harvest Dates January 26, 2023, January 31, 2023
Brix at Harvest 20.0°
Sites House Block, Dog Block
Maceration 25 days
Extended Maceration Yes
Production Volume 1,570 bottles
Bottles1,570
Production Details This year we experimented with a bit more time on skins. This has given the midpalate a bit more texture and palate weight even though the alcohol has remained low. Normal house style keeping it simple; crush, destalk and allowing it to naturally ferment in open fermenters. Once fermentation starts, we punch down twice a day to keep the ferment homogenous. After fermentation, we seal the bins and allow post maceration for as long as we can sleep comfortably without wondering what's happening inside the bins. This vintage took 25 days on skins before our nerves broke. We press directly to barrel with as much sediment as possible. This allows the wine to fill out and add texture with our regular batonnaging. This year is a bit quirkier than most. Darker colour due to the extended skin contact and just a hint of flor to add more to an already multidimensional wine. The palate is bold and weighty, even though the wine's alcohol is below 12% like previous years. Unfortunately, 2023 was rather dry and so we have less wine this year. Our Chenin still remains a very thought-provoking wine.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Green melons, spice, savoury white fruit with a hint of honey
Palate: Hint of savoury flor on entry with peaches, spice and telltale Luddite Chenin saltiness on the finish. Good acidity balances the palate from start to finish. Very thought-provoking.
▸ Sources (1)
Producer Information
Website
Address
Van Der Stel Pass, Bot River, 7185, Western Cape, South Africa
Phone
+27 (0) 28 001 0516
Email
Owner
Niels and Penny Verburg
Cellarmaster
Niels Verburg & Alice Verburg