Brief history of Chenin Blanc: Chenin, one of the oldest varieties in South Africa – having arrived at the Cape in the 17th century – was known as Steen until 1963 when it was identified as the Loire’s famous white grape. Chenin thrives in the South African climate and during the 20th century it grew to be our most widely planted variety and remains so to this day, with South Africa growing about two thirds of the world’s supply. For a large part of its history however, Chenin was relegated only to high volume production.
Old Vine Chenin Blanc: Luckily for all the Chenin lovers out there, the varietal has been undergoing a renaissance and wines of the highest quality and with astonishing ageing potential have become synonymous with South Africa. Of particular interest to wine connoisseurs is the use of Old Vine Chenin Blanc grapes, arguably South Africa’s greatest vinous asset, a national treasure indeed. South Africa has some of the New World’s oldest grapevines. The Old Vine Project, an industry initiative, was launched in 2016 to officially identify, define, and protect the country’s historical vineyards, of which Chenin makes up the largest portion. Vineyards more than 35 years old are honoured with Certified Heritage Vineyards plaques, and wines made from these heritage vineyards proudly bear the Old Vine Project Heritage Certification Seal – A World First!
What makes Old Vines wine special? Like older people, ancient vines have their own unique story that the Old Vine Project is passionate about protecting and sharing. Heritage vineyards produce wines with a distinctive character that has developed over decades including denser texture and structure, complexity and concentration. Age in vines brings an intensity, a perceived freshness and a sense of place.
WELGEGUND HERITAGE WINES OLD VINE CHENIN BLANC 2019
Winemaker’s Notes by Friedrich Kühne: “2019 was an exemplary vintage, one of the best in many years, with extremely low yields of small berries from our ancient dryland vineyard planted in 1974, bringing intense concentration to the wines, with a wealth of fruit, richness, texture and depth of flavour. The quality of the fruit is testament to the character of these magnificent old vines and the estate’s unique fingerprint of terroir and climate. In the cellar we make the wine with minimal intervention, to showcase the age of the vineyard and to truly reflect the terroir. The grapes were whole bunch pressed and fermented in a combination of 500L French oak barrels and stainless-steel tanks. Fermentation was partly natural, with different yeasts added for the desired complexity. 33% of the wine was aged in 2nd fill 500L barrels for 14 months.”
Tasting Notes: Clear medium lemon in colour, the nose shows beautiful layers of candied citrus, lime and lemon, ripe pear, quince, fresh peach, and honeysuckle. The palate is soft and elegant with flavours of star fruit, honeydew melons and lime, and finishes with a salty minerality and a touch of nuttiness.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with roast duck confit and orange sauce. Also delicious with crayfish, langoustines, sushi and line fish carpaccio or gnocchi with green peas and almonds. The wine will also complement a citrus tart or nutty nougat.
Limited release: Only 1801 individually numbered bottles have been produced.
Awards: Gold Medal at the 2020 Veritas Awards, 90 Points in Tim Atkin’s 2020 South Africa Special Report and 91 Points at the 2020 Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge.
Packaging: The stature of the wine is reflected in the 2019 Chenin’s distinctive new packaging which is minimalist yet compelling with strong visual appeal – bold numbered imported bottles with simple and elegant wrap-round labels, crowned with striking sunflower yellow wax seals.
Retail price: Welgegund Heritage Wines Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2019 is only available from the estate and their website’s online shop for R290 per bottle (VAT inclusive).
To shop go to https://welgegund.co.za/wines/
A VISIT TO WELGEGUND HERITAGE WINES
Nestled at the foot of the magnificent Hawequa mountains at the end of an oak-lined cul-de-sac in Wellington, lies a hidden treasure, Welgegund Heritage Wines. Welgegund means ‘well-bestowed’ and you don’t have to venture far to experience the fruits of its blessings. Wine and olive tastings showcasing the intense deliciousness of this estate’s produce can be enjoyed by appointment only. Take the time and make an appointment. It’s well worth it!
Welgegund Wine Farm, 119 Berg Street, Wellington, South Africa
Tel: 021 873 2123 · Email: emathews@welgegund.co.za
Website: https://www.welgegund.co.za/ · Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/welgegundwines/
Twitter: @WelgegundWines ·
Instagram: @Welgegund_wines ·
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