Wild Garden Chenin Blanc

 Producer Note

 Produced in the Wild Garden that is the Cape Coast of South Africa, the duo of wines
 in the small but perfectly formed Wild Garden range, showcases the classic South
 African grape varieties. Carefully selected, blended and bottled for us, the Pinotage is
 South Africa's signature grape variety with an easy drinking fruity style, while the Chenin Blanc with its fresh fruity flavours is very quaffable indeed.

 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 during the 2023 vintage. The region benefited from the  absence of heatwaves, resulting in good quality fruit, albeit slightly lower quantity in 2023. While the white varieties generally produced lower yields compared to 2022, the quality is good, with lovely aromatics. A classic style from a cooler vintage.

 Vineyard

 The grapes come from carefully selected vineyards in the Swartland and Pederberg in
 the Cape Coast region. 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. The Atlantic Ocean lies around 20
 miles to the west and this has a significant cooling and moderating effect on the
 climate. The rolling hills average around 140 metres above sea level, however, the
 superior influence on the wine is from the various soil formations, namely shale, schist,
 granite and iron stone. These ancient soils vary greatly in the percentage of clay,
 mineral content and organic matter. This Chenin Blanc is from a combination of these
 soils, which adds layers of fruit and complexity. Exposure to spring and summer winds
 create a healthy environment with little intervention needed to keep the vines healthy.

 Winemaking

 The grapes were fermented with selected yeasts in temperature controlled stainless
 steel tanks to retain the bright and aromatic characteristics of the Chenin Blanc variety,
 through to dryness. Malolactic conversion did not take place, resulting in a crisp style of wine.

 Tasting Note

A refreshing and lifted Chenin Blanc with aromas of green apple and citrus leading to
 a delightfully fresh and zesty palate with a fruity finish.