This Big Easy white is 100% Chenin Blanc and shows the beautiful, pure-fruited and charming 2015 vintage. Dominated by citrus in its youth, the nose offers complexity with peaches, strawberries and fresh cream. A sprinkle of spice and slight peppery edge contrasts the soft, creamy mouth feel, while nutty and mineral notes gather further complexity. Medium bodied and stylish, the palate ends with a long and dry, discreetly fruity finish.
variety : Chenin Blanc [ 100% Chenin Blanc ]
winemaker : Louis Strydom
wine of origin : Western Cape
analysis : alc : 13.80 % vol rs : 2.8 g/l pH : 3.48 ta : 6.5 g/l
type : White style : Dry body : Light taste : Fruity
pack : Bottle size : 750ml closure : Cork
in the vineyard : The 2015 Vintage
The vintage will be remembered as one of the driest and earliest in years, with a somewhat smaller wine grape harvest promising exceptional wines. Good reserves were accumulated during the post-harvest period in April and May, after which leaf fall generally occurred at the right time. A cold, wet winter led to the accumulation of sufficient cold units for the full breaking of dormancy, which contributed to even bud break. Warm weather in August resulted in earlier bud break, after which a warm, dry and windy summer kept vineyard growth under control and accelerated ripening by approximately two weeks. The dry weather also led to one of the healthiest seasons in years, with almost no losses due to diseases or rot. With the absence of the usual heat waves in most regions, cooler than usual weather in February was ideal for ripening and harvesting. Lower temperatures at night during this time contributed towards good flavour development in the white wines. Although somewhat smaller, this was one of the best, if not the best, harvests in years.
About the Vineyard
The Chenin Blanc grapes were harvested from individually selected, low yielding bush and trellised vines from
three appellations namely Stellenbosch, Durbanville and Perdeberg. Each viticultural area and terroir lends its own
unique flavour profile to the final blend.
in the cellar : On the sorting table, all excess stalks and inferior berries
were carefully removed. Grape bunches were gently de-stemmed with a de-stalker and lightly crushed. The wine
was settled overnight and the sediment racked-off the following day. Fermentation took place at low temperatures
(12-14°C) in stainless steel tanks with a combination of yeasts, over a two week period. Working very reductively in
the cellar after both crushing and de-stemming, post fermentation lees contact was maintained for two months
with weekly stirring of the lees before racking and stabilization prior to bottling. This wine is crafted in a fresh style
without any oak component.
Production: 12 450 X 6 X 750ml cases
Sustainability Initiative: I.P.W. (Integrated Production of Wine) Certified