Piekenierskloof, Old Vine Bergendal Chenin Blanc, Swartland, South Africa, 2022

Producer Profile

Nestled in the Citrusdal Mountains, some 50 kilometers north of Swartland, is the magnificent Piekenierskloof plateau, which provides the perfect natural environment for vineyards to thrive.

At 750 meters above sea level, the plateau’s climate is characterised by warm days and cool nights, which allow grapes to slowly ripen and develop complex fruit flavours. Ungrafted bush vines planted in the 1950’s are still used in the production of Piekenierskloof Wine Company’s range of wines.

Viticulture

The Bergendal farm was planted in 1962 on the Piekenierskloof plateau which is situated 160 km north of Cape Town and 50 km from the Atlantic ocean as the crow flies. At 600 to 750 metres altitude these old, ungrafted bush vines, growing in sandy loam soils, are rejuvenate by cold air in the evenings during the growing season.

Winemaking

Grapes were handpicked early in the morning allowing the fruit to retain their natural flavour. Only the free run juice was used, allowed to settle and underwent spontaneous fermentation , fermenting in a combination of stainless steel tanks and 500L French oak barrels. The wine matured for a further 6 months in 500 litre French oak barrels of which 30% was new, the remainder second and third fill.

Oak Ageing

Time: 6 Months
Type: 500 litre French Oak
% wine oaked: 100
% new oak: 30

Tasting Note

Beautiful white blossoms, tropical fruit with hints of vanilla on the palate. Rich, full and creamy with a well-balanced mid palate and elegant apricot that lingers on the finish.

Food Matching

This beautifully structured Chenin can be served and paired with varied spicy dishes, full flavoured fish, roast chicken, duck, pork chops and truffles. Ideal with crayfish, prawns, curries and four cheese gnocchi.