2018 Wildekrans Chenin Blanc Barrel Select Reserve 2018
South Africa, Bot River
Description
Full fruity and clean with an interesting nose. Complex layers of tropical fruit. Light impressions of spice, citrus, honey and a light minerality. Long finish with some savoury touches.
Awards
Gold Gilbert & Gaillard Medals
91 pts Winemag.co.za Rating
Double Platinum National Wine Challenge
94 pts Tim Atkin
Silver Decanter Medal
Certifications
Alcohol
12.5%
Analytical data
dry
Vineyard: Wildekrans Wine Estate
Three strand hedge / mostly shale / Overberg - cool Atlantic sea breeze
Soil Type
Klapmuts, Kroonstad, Estcourt. The soil is composed of mostly Bokkeveld shale.
Harvest Notes
Sourced from low yielding, South-facing vines planted in 1982. Harvested by hand into lugs. Grapes are whole-bunch pressed in the cellar. Free-run juice underwent natural malolactic fermentation partly in tank under cold temperatures, and then aged for 7 months in second and third fill French Oak barrels.
Viticulture
The Chenin grapes used to make this wine comes from older blocks planted 1982. Harvested at 24-25 balling and concentrating on optimal ripeness (phenolic). This block we are still focussing on renewal and with correct canopy management practices try to enhance better light within the canopy.
Vinification
Sourced from low yielding, South-facing vines planted in 1982. Harvested by hand into lugs. Grapes are whole-bunch pressed in the cellar. Free-run juice underwent natural malolactic fermentation partly in tank under cold temperatures, and then aged for 7 months in second and third fill French Oak barrels.
