Longridge Ou Steen 2016

The style of this single vineyard Chenin Blanc was inspired by the great Vouvray Demi-Sec’s (literally half dry) from the Val de Loire in France. These lovely age worthy Chenins, of which Domaine Huet ‘Le Mont’ is one of Jasper’s favourites, can be enjoyed with spicy food, such as curries or with savoury sauces and is also a natural partner to wasabi and sushi. Due to the great natural acidity of Chenin Blanc (colloquially called ‘Steen’), it can result in wines with unbelievable balance and poise even with higher residual sugar.

This vineyard enjoyed the refreshingly cool breezes from False Bay (Atlantic Ocean) during the day and cool night air flowing down the mountain, resulting in even ripening of the berries and good natural acidity. The macro climate is maritime, with cold wet winters and sunny warm summers. Certified heritage block with SA Old Vine Project, planted 1981.

Rooted in the oldest viticulture soil in the world, it is made up of decomposed granite on the lower slopes of the Helderberg Mountain.

Whole bunch pressed grapes fermented with wild yeast in matured French Puncheons. It is also aged in these barrels sur lie for 10-12 months. In line with our ultra-natural and terroir-driven approach, the wine received no enzymes, no fining and was bottled unfiltered. Although the wine is drinking well now, we recommend further cellaring, as the wine will improve with maturation for another 10 years.