The Dry Land Collection Courageous Barrel Fermented Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2022

Citrus, pear, peach and pineapple notes are only some of the aromas evident in the aromatics of this wine.  The palate boasts hints of citrus, litchi and vanilla, while the finish is crisp with a well defined acidity.

The grapes were hand-harvested from 36-year-old bushvine vineyards in the Paarl area. Harvesting took place in mid-February at a minimum of 24° Balling in the early morning when it was still cool. The soils, made from mainly decomposed granite and Malmesbury shales, are deep and strong in structure. These vineyard blocks used little to no irrigation as they primarily relied on winter rainfall.

The grapes are harvested by hand and delivered in crates.  After the grapes are de-stemmed, skin contact is given for 3 hours and the juice gets extracted.  Only free run juice is used and great care is taken that the juice is clear before fermentation starts to ensure the pure, concentrated fruitiness of the dry land grapes are infused into the wines.

Fermentation takes place in 500 litre oak barrels with selected yeast.  French oak barrels are used to lend more complexity to the wine and have a good rest for 10 months in the barrels.