This Chenin Blanc is clear proof that even in very hot regions, the variety manages and always maintains its vitality through its crisp acidity, in a stable framework of juicy pure fruit and a masterful complexity of aromas. Wine critics rightly adore it and you will surely too once you try it! 94pts from Tim Atkin, 93pts from James Suckling, and 92pts from Robert Parker may not be enough!
Nadia and David built their homonymous winery on the Paardebosch farm in Malmesbury in Cape Town, South Africa 2013. However, they met at the University of Stellenbosch, when the native David was studying oenology and Nadia was studying soil science and viticulture. The first creation of their love was bottled in 2010 when they were working in different wineries, but it was the motivation for creating their winery. The grapes they now use come from their farm, but also from the Swartland, which displays a huge diversity and specificity of soils. The winery belongs to SIP (Swartland Independent Producers) which aims to preserve and highlight the unique identity of the region, through crops and winemaking that meet very strict conditions.
For the Chenin Blanc 2022, they used grapes exclusively from the Swartland and 8 different vineyards planted from 1968 to 1986. The arid cultivation, enormous concentration, and 5 different soil types created a rare complexity. The grapes were harvested at 19 different moments of ripeness so the fruit was always in its best condition. The entire bunches were naturally fermented with indigenous yeasts and then aged for 11 months in old French oak barrels, while 9% went through a cement egg. Simply put, an elegant combination of freshness, fruit, elegant complexity, and a velvety texture that makes it extremely enjoyable, almost addictive.
The Certified Heritage Vineyards (CHV) seal, and its participation in the Old Vine Project, are “just” another reason to admire it, but the main one is in the content.
What more could you ask?!
