Spice Route Chenin Blanc is a bold, full-flavoured style, produced using grapes predominantly from unirrigated bush vines at our Swartland vineyards.

IN THE VINEYARD:

Chenin grapes for this wine are made from two different locations. The wooded portion (35%) is from a 35 year old single unirrigated vineyard from the Swartland. The unwooded portion is from our Darling vineyard next to the west coast.

HARVEST DATE: 16 February 2010

WINEMAKING:

The wooded portion of the grapes were harvested by hand at 25 degrees balling and fermented in French oak barrels (7% new). The balance of the grapes were hand harvested at 22 degrees balling and fermented in stainless steel tanks. After 8 months of fermentation, the wines were blended and bottled.

WINEMAKER’S COMMENTS:

The oaking is subtle making the wine approachable early on, but it will drink well up to at least 2012. Charl du Plessis

TASTING NOTE:

Light straw colour. Ripe pineapple notes lead a complex tropical nose with lightly spiced apple flavours hinting at gentle oaking. Palate is medium bodied with balanced acidity. Rich apple and pear flavours with hints of orange peel show on the long, creamy finish.