This reserve Villiera Chenin Blanc is made in very limited quantities. The grapes are picked ripe and the longevity is enhanced by fermenting in oak barrels. The barrels also allow additional flavour, greater complexity and Chenin Blanc really does lend itself to this style. Harvest Details: Fully ripe grapes were handpicked. A small percentage (± 3 %) of botrytis was included as it was considered desirable and adds further complexity. Picking occurred in the early morning when conditions were cooler. The barrel fermented Chenin Blanc comes from 3 blocks (2 trellised and 1 old bush vine block.) Cellar Treatment: The fruit was crushed and destalked prior to ±4 hours of skin contact. After a light pressing in pneumatic bag presses the juice was settled overnight before being racked to barrels. We followed a low S0₂ regime and allow MLF on 40 % of the wine to allow early evolution. On the balance (60 %), MLF was prevented to retain freshness. After fermentation the wine remained in barrel for 4 months with regular batonage (stirring of lees). Half of the barrels used were new French oak and the balance 2nd fill. Finally, after stabilization, the wine was bottled in June. Tasting Notes: The wine displays tropical fruit with a hint of pineapple, citrus, vanilla and honey. The oak plays a supporting role with subtle spice. The wine is full bodied with creamy balance and very good maturation potential. At an awards lunch on Wednesday the 27th of August, Christiaan Visser (Villiera’s winemaker) collected the award on behalf of Villiera Wines.The 10 winners also received R20 000 each from Standard Bank, to be used for transformation. Villiera Wines works very closely with The Pebbles Project in the Villiera crèche, afterschool and the OWETHU clinic. Villiera will be handing their prize money over to the Pebbles Project who will be putting it towards their school leaver programme (this was put in place to assist the older children with subject choices, supporting them through to matric and preparing them for the life of work after school. This includes exploring options available to the kids and arranging visits to tertiary college, applications to courses and jobs). The Villiera prize money will be used to assist Darrel Piedt , whose mother has worked at Villiera for 12 years, to pursue a welding course through Allweld. For more information on Villiera Wines.For more information on the Chenin Blanc Challenge.