Chamonix Old Vine Chenin Blanc

The historical Huguenot Estate, which goes back to 1688, previously included the Cape Chamonix Wine Farm. Chamonix has sprung into the international wine scene during the past 20 years as a well-respected winery in its own right, now operating under the guidance of German-born businessman Chris Hellinger. Under his leadership, the estate has experienced significant development and now provides tourists with a wide range of dining and entertainment options in breathtaking settings. Every aspect at Chamonix is performed with affection, passion, and an unwavering dedication to quality, from the sheltered Forest Lodge overlooking the picturesque Franschhoek Valley to the reputed Arkeste restaurant, the various facilities to the broad range of fine wines, spirits, and other delights on offer.

Chenin Blanc,

This old vine plot was planted in 1965 on cooler South facing slopes made up of sandy loam soils at an altitude of 350m above sea level. The vines are dry farmed with no irrigation being used.

Fermentation occurs in old 225L French oak barriques and in a Ceramic egg. The wine remains on the lees up until bottling, the lees is stirred through the wine in what is known as batonnage. The Steen is kept in barrels for 7 months.

From winemaker, Neil Bruwer, “Old vineyard wines definitely have a point of differentiation in terms of texture, structure and palate-weight,” says Bruwer. “In the case of Chenin Blanc, which represents the bulk of South Africa’s old vine category, the age of the vineyard allows the fruit nuances of Chenin to come to the fore while exuding that extra presence and complexity that allows the wine to command attention. We are extremely fortunate in having the aged beauty that is our Chenin Blanc vineyard planted in 1965 which, as I can attest to after harvesting it again this year, is still in fine fettle growing grapes of grace and personality.”

Voted as one of the top 10 Chenin Blancs in South Africa

Wine maker Neil Bruwer says the recognition for Chamonix and other Cape old vine Chenin Blancs underscores the fact that South Africa is a world-leader in this variety. “As the country with the largest plantings of Chenin Blanc vineyards on earth, which include a magnificent selection of intriguing wines made from old vineyards, South Africa has captured the imagination of the wine world with this sector,” says Bruwer. “It is an ambassador for what we represent as a wine country and will in time improve South Africa’s image as one of the world’s premium wine producing nations.

The wine has a lemon-green colour and exquisite aroma, with scents reminiscent of stone fruit and hints of saline aromas. Well-structured, complex and minerally with flavours of citrus on the palate.

Prime drinking begins at 3-4 years, although top vintages remain impressive for up to 10 years.