Skaliekop, Chenin Blanc, Swartland, 2022

The Skaliekop (Shale-Hill) vines were planted in 1985 in very shallow shale soils in the Paardeberg, an anomaly in this granite-rich region. A small tractor road divides the Plat’bos and Skaliekop vineyards. Skaliekop was harvested mid-February in two tranches. The wines of the different pickings were aged separately, before blending and then bottling at the end of the year. Sparkling, clear-cut zippy citrus fruits and white fruits, the 2022 has an impactful feel with a firm stony edge. Wonderfully pure and mineral, it should age with style. Old Vine Project certified. 2,500bts were produced.