Breedekloof launches Chenin Blanc Initiative

Monday, 29 June, 2015
On The Marque PR & Communications
Over the years the Breedekloof Wine Valley has established itself as an area for slow ripening vines. Key to this is the late bud break and long hanging time on the vines.

The geography, climate, mountains, rivers and varied geology all contribute to a unique winemaking potential and this has essentially established the area as the home of South African Chenin Blanc.

Chenin Blanc represents 18% of all South Africa’s vineyards and the Breedekloof Wine Valley has 15% of all Chenin Blanc plantings and supplies 21% or one-fifth of all the wine made from Chenin in South Africa.

The varietal has found its true home in this region, with deep alluvial soils containing smooth river pebbles, which is ideally suited to Chenin Blanc. Chenin Blanc is probably the world’s most versatile variety, ideally suited to many wine styles. This has prompted the Breedekloof winemakers to produce small quantities of Chenin Blanc using innovative winemaking methods and expressing terroirs, especially old vineyards, which has resulted in the Breedekloof Chenin Blanc Initiative.

Nine wineries, all members of the Breedekloof Wine Route, form part of this exciting collaboration, and have all launched a 2014 vintage into the market:

  • Bergsig Estate: Chenin Blanc Reserve
  • Botha Cellar: Barrel Fermented Bush Vine Chenin Blanc
  • Breeland: Chenin Blanc
  • Deetlefs Estate: Reserve Chenin Blanc
  • Goudini Wines: Mirabilis Regis-filia Chenin Blanc
  • Lateganskop: Zahir Chenin Blanc
  • Merwida: Chenin Blanc
  • Opstal Estate: Carl Everson Chenin Blanc
  • uniWines Vineyards: Daschbosch Steen

Still in its infancy the initiative has already received positive feedback and support from industry influencers such as Ken Forrester and Tim Atkin MW.

“We’re thrilled about this initiative as we’ve found that by focusing on Chenin Blanc we are able to lift the image of the entire Breedekloof Wine Valley and the various styles of wines produced. Although each winery was left to use their own discretion, expertise and experience in producing a Chenin Blanc true to their nature, the initiative encouraged camaraderie and info sharing amongst the role-players. The round table discussions are imperative as they help raise the profile of the area as well as promote superb quality wines from the Breedekloof Wine Valley,” says Breedekloof Wine & Tourism CEO, Melody Botha.

For more information contact +27.23 349 1791 or visit www.breedekloof.com.