Chenin Blanc, Rustenberg
A relatively young project, with grapes sourced from 4 different bush vine blocks, ageing between 20-35 years old, this is the Rustenberg take on a varietal synonymous with South Africa.
Aromas of pineapple and yellow pear follow through to a crisp, textured palate complemented by characters of citrus.
Technical analysis
ALCOHOL
13.5 %
RESIDUAL SUGAR
1.8 g/L
pH
3.17
ACIDITY
6.6 g/L
ORIGIN
South Africa
WINEMAKER
Murray Barlow
VARIETY
Chenin Blanc
HARVEST DATE
February 2019
BOTTLED DATE
July 2019
FINED USING
Isinglass & Bentonite
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION
No
CLOSURE
Screw top
BOTTLE SIZE
75cl
REGION
Stellenbosch
VEGETARIAN
No
VEGAN
No
Vintage conditions
The 2019 vintage was a challenging one for the Rustenberg team. While the winter of 2018 was a welcome break from the previous four winters of drought, most vineyards had not fully recovered and produced below average yields. A warm snap in June and a wet Spring, coupled with a wetter than average Summer harvesting season made 2019 a challenge, with some late harvest thinning or multiple harvests of the same vineyard required to achieve uniformity. Early and mid-season ripening varieties performed well, all achieving flavour ripeness at lower alcohol levels, while late ripening varieties required patience and extended time on the vines, again achieving lower alcohols overall, but creating ripe, structured wines.
Vinification details
The grapes are hand picked, crushed, de-stemmed and pressed into stainless steel tanks. Using a combination of cultured yeast and wild fermentation, the wine is left on the lees for 2 months.
Awards
DWWA: Silver
Green credentials
Accredited Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) estate.
Contact us to discuss