Spier’s 21 Gables Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2019 has been recognised as one of South Africa’s best Chenin Blancs in the Standard Bank Chenin Blanc Top 10 Challenge. This is the fifth time this wine has been included in the Top 10.
The wine was crafted by Spier Cellar Master Frans K. Smit and his team using grapes handpicked from 36-year-old vines in a single vineyard on the slopes of the Durbanville Hills. This block has received Certified Heritage Vineyard status from the Old Vines Project which honours vines that are older than 35-years-old.
“These old vines have roots that draw nutrients from deep below the surface, and produce small berries with high tannins and intense flavour. The result is a wine that is richly expressive of its terroir, elegantly structured and with excellent ageing potential,” explains Smit.
Matured for 14 months in barrel, the 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2019 offers aromas of dried apricots and ripe tropical fruit, with an oak and vanilla undertow. On the palate, there’s good acidity and rounded rich flavours of white flesh peaches, almond paste and creaminess. It’s a perfect match for mild Cape curries or crispy pork belly.
Spier’s 21 Gables range pays tribute to more than 300-years of winemaking heritage and its unique architectural legacy: an unrivalled 21 Cape Dutch Gables– all beautifully restored. Chenin Blanc is inextricably intertwined with the farm’s vinous history: it was the first grape varietal planted at Spier, in 1700. The rest of the 21 Gables range is made up of Pinotage, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon, each of which have garnered acclaim at home and abroad.
The current 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2018 vintage can be purchased in Spier’s online store, as well as in familiar retailers across South Africa and dozens of countries internationally. The award-winning 2019 vintage will be available from 1 October. To pre-order the 2019 vintage, email our Wine Shop at francoisvdw@spier.co.za.
A portion of the proceeds from this wine are invested in Spier Growing for Good – a range of initiatives that empower communities to make a positive social and environmental change.