Swartland Winery – Chenin Blanc ‘Founders’, Western Cape – 2023

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£9.74

SKU 5600123A Categories , ,

Expressive aromas of ripe melon and apples combined with candied lemon, crisp and refreshing through to a fruity, clean finish.

ABV:

13%

Vintage:

2023

Size:

75cl

Dry

Sweet

Country

South Africa

Region

Western Cape

Sub-Region

Swartland

Producer / Winery

Swartland Winery

Grape Variety

Chenin Blanc

Style

White Wine

Winemaker

Marius Prins

Closure

Screwcap

Other Classifications

Suitable for
Vegetarians

Suitable for
Vegans

Contains
Egg

Contains
Milk

Contains
Sulphites

No
Sulphites

Organic
Wine

Biodynamic
Wine

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ABOUT THE PRODUCER:
Big open skies, arid deserts, the vast flowing landscape, with its unforgiving climate and rugged bush vines, this is wild country, this is Swartland. The contrast with manicured Constantia and oh-so-cool Stellenbosch couldn’t be greater. But right now, Swartland is the most exciting wine region in South Africa. A new wave of winemakers are making ground-breaking wines from Rhône varietals and it is part of a revolution that has got everybody talking. The Swartland Winery is producing iconic and award-winning wines in this fashionable and dynamic region, so we have joined forces with them to create a unique, distinctive and expressive wine range that has been masterfully blended for the UK palate. They are a WIETA compliant producer, committing to ethical trade and as advocates of the Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) code, they manage their vineyards limiting the use of herbicides, fungicides and pesticides. We think something this good, is definitely worth talking about!

THE VINTAGE:
Generally, winter was dry and warm with budbreak occurring early, around seven to 10 days earlier than usual. Spring and early summer growing conditions were favourable, with abundant rains just before véraison helping fruit quality. A cool and wet summer prolonged ripening and harvest. The Swartland region benefited from the absence of heatwaves, resulting in good quality fruit, albeit slightly lower quantity in 2023.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
The Swartland name originates from a description of the indigenous “renosterbos” or rhino bush, which appears to turn black, (“Swart” in Afrikaans), during the summer months. This hot, dry climate has an average temperature range of 25°C to 35°C and an annual rainfall of 450mm and 600mm, but the altitude of these vineyards creates a cool oasis in this arid landscape. Minimal intervention and environmentally friendly farming practices are paramount. Sowing cover crops between the vines provides protection from the winter rains and also maintains the valuable mineral content, nutrients and moisture during the hot summers. 80% of the vineyards are small bush vines with an average yield of six tonnes per hectare; the quality of fruit is exceptional. The soil types vary, but Malmesbury Shale dominates, with small patches of granite and Table Mountain sandstone.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
The grapes were harvested at optimal phenolic ripeness. The skins, pips and stems were removed and the juice was then fermented at controlled temperatures of between 13°C to 14°C with aromatic yeast strains. Following fermentation the wine was stabilised, filtered and bottled, in order to preserve the freshness.

OUR TASTING NOTES:
An expressive Chenin Blanc, showing vibrant aromas of ripe passion fruit, guava and pineapple, underpinned by citrus notes. Well balanced with a full, fruity palate and a refreshing minerality on the finish.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Chenin Blanc 100%.

PLEASE NOTE: The technical information on this wine is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. This information and bottle images may be subject to change according to vintage.

Description

- SHARE -

 

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:
Big open skies, arid deserts, the vast flowing landscape, with its unforgiving climate and rugged bush vines, this is wild country, this is Swartland. The contrast with manicured Constantia and oh-so-cool Stellenbosch couldn’t be greater. But right now, Swartland is the most exciting wine region in South Africa. A new wave of winemakers are making ground-breaking wines from Rhône varietals and it is part of a revolution that has got everybody talking. The Swartland Winery is producing iconic and award-winning wines in this fashionable and dynamic region, so we have joined forces with them to create a unique, distinctive and expressive wine range that has been masterfully blended for the UK palate. They are a WIETA compliant producer, committing to ethical trade and as advocates of the Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) code, they manage their vineyards limiting the use of herbicides, fungicides and pesticides. We think something this good, is definitely worth talking about!

THE VINTAGE:
Generally, winter was dry and warm with budbreak occurring early, around seven to 10 days earlier than usual. Spring and early summer growing conditions were favourable, with abundant rains just before véraison helping fruit quality. A cool and wet summer prolonged ripening and harvest. The Swartland region benefited from the absence of heatwaves, resulting in good quality fruit, albeit slightly lower quantity in 2023.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
The Swartland name originates from a description of the indigenous “renosterbos” or rhino bush, which appears to turn black, (“Swart” in Afrikaans), during the summer months. This hot, dry climate has an average temperature range of 25°C to 35°C and an annual rainfall of 450mm and 600mm, but the altitude of these vineyards creates a cool oasis in this arid landscape. Minimal intervention and environmentally friendly farming practices are paramount. Sowing cover crops between the vines provides protection from the winter rains and also maintains the valuable mineral content, nutrients and moisture during the hot summers. 80% of the vineyards are small bush vines with an average yield of six tonnes per hectare; the quality of fruit is exceptional. The soil types vary, but Malmesbury Shale dominates, with small patches of granite and Table Mountain sandstone.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
The grapes were harvested at optimal phenolic ripeness. The skins, pips and stems were removed and the juice was then fermented at controlled temperatures of between 13°C to 14°C with aromatic yeast strains. Following fermentation the wine was stabilised, filtered and bottled, in order to preserve the freshness.

OUR TASTING NOTES:
An expressive Chenin Blanc, showing vibrant aromas of ripe passion fruit, guava and pineapple, underpinned by citrus notes. Well balanced with a full, fruity palate and a refreshing minerality on the finish.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Chenin Blanc 100%.

Additional information

Weight 1.2 kg
Dimensions 7.5 × 7.5 × 30 cm
Country

South Africa

Region

Western Cape

Sub-region

Swartland

Producer / Winery

Swartland Winery

Winemaker

Marius Prins

Style

White Wine

Grape Variety

Chenin Blanc

Vintage

2023

Alcohol % (ABV)

13%

Dry/Sweet Value (1 being dry, 7 being very sweet)

2

Residual Sugar

2.4 g/L

Contains Sulphites

Yes

Vegetarian

Vegan

Milk

No

Eggs

Yes

Organic

No

Biodynamic

No

Format Available

75cl

Closure

Screwcap

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£9.74

SKU 5600123A Categories , ,