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Vineyards and vines:

Vines planted in 1982

Grapes:

Chenin Blanc

Vinification:
The beauty of this wine is even though it stays the same each year (as it’s harvested from the same Single Vineyard classified block on the farm), each year is different. The 2017 vintage shows some restraint at first, even a bit shy, but then opens up to show quince and pineapple notes with a freshness and finesse ever present on the palate as yellow peach flavours run through your mouth. The distinctive depth and complexity of fruit we’ve learned to appreciate and love of the Carl Everson Chenin, is on show again with the 2017. These precious 35 year old vines, old French barrels, spontaneous fermentation and minimalistic cellar intervention in the end proclaim our Slanghoek terroir through this wine.

 

Maturation:

As were the case in 2016, the 2017 ripening and harvest season was a very dry and healthy one which actually proved a challenge for spontaneous fermented wines. The yeast populations in the vineyard were smaller and available nutrients (food for yeast cells) also less. As a result of this patience was key as alcoholic fermentation only finished after 4 months in the barrel where after the wine spent a further 6 months in those old French barrels (400 & 500L), before bottling in January 2018.

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The photo was taken on Opstal in 1987.

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Opstal old vines.

 

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