Patina Chenin blanc 2020

The nose is initially shy, yet very complex, offering subtle layers of citrus and stone fruit aromas, and whiffs of angelica, acacia flower and allspice. Flavours of lemon, yellow apple and nectarine follow through onto an elegant, balanced palate with delicate notes of greengage, papaya, yellow apple and passion fruit. The wine is light to medium bodied, with a smooth, fleshy texture and vibrant, integrated acidity. Lime zest, green apple and lemongrass linger on a clean, refreshing finish with hints of orange blossom, ginger and saffron.

Grapes for our Patina Chenin Blanc are from a single site at our Goldmine Estate, grown on schist and decomposed dolomitic granite. Chenin has a particular affinity for the warm, Mediterranean terroir along the Riebeeks River, at the foothills of the Kasteelberg, in the Swartland district. Cooler night temperatures, without prolonged heat waves during the day, created an excellent diurnal range and favourable ripening conditions.

The grapes were harvested with optimal natural analyses, reflecting the even ripening. One-third of the grapes fermented spontaneously in concrete eggs, while the second component was whole bunch pressed and then matured in seasoned French barriques and concrete eggs for 12 months. The third component was skin fermented and pressed off the skins halfway through fermentation, then transferred to our nomblot concrete eggs to concrete.

12 months: 50% in seasoned 225L French Barrique & 50% in concrete egg