Chenin Blanc, Swartland, 2022

Produced from two vineyards, the Chenin Blanc is a 50/50 blend of grapes planted on iron (36 years old) and granite (28 years old) soils. The Paardeberg component (granite) is picked earlier to bring a sense of crisp linearity and the iron site, just outside Malmesbury, two days later to bring plusher fruit to the blend. The grapes are kept cool overnight and then whole bunch pressed, with no press cuts, only free run juice, in to steel for a natural settling before racking in to used oak barrels for spontaneous fermentation. Malolactic is allowed where it happens naturally, and limits the need to fine or filter before bottling. “I grew up in this area and so I want to be proud of the wine.” Aromatic and spicy, with great acidity and a fresh, focused feel. Juicy citrus fruit, some green mango, a touch of pineapple and zingy fruit with savoury notes of oats and dry earth. “Sunshine in a bottle!”.