Olifantsberg Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2023

The vineyard is located in the Breedekloof, a viticultural area to the west of the Breede River Valley, in the Western Cape. The grapes are from a 100% bush vine block planted in 1982 on north to north-easterly slopes at an altitude of 223 metres. Traditional planting methods were used, and the vines were planted just wide enough apart to allow the vineyard to be worked by horse and plough. This high-density planting of 7,700 vines per hectare, which are grown in decomposed sandstone soils results in a very unique expression of Chenin Blanc. The surrounding mountains have a moderating effect on the climate in Breedekloof. Morning and afternoon shadows from the mountains shorten the hot days in the region and bring considerably colder evenings. This diurnal temperature variation allows the grapes to cool down during the evening, thus retaining their fresh acidity to balance the ripe, fruit flavours. The vines are grown by a passionate grower who shares the Olifantsberg philosophy and cultivates the vines using sustainable viticulture. The skilled Olifantsberg team has been pruning these vineyards for over seven years and with each vintage they achieve more balanced within the vines resulting in harmonious wines.

The grapes were hand-harvested and cooled overnight. Bunch sorting took place to ensure only the best grapes were vinified. The fruit was 100% whole bunched pressed to ensure the delicate extraction of only the purest juice. Fermentation took place with natural yeast in a combination of vessels: 2,000-litre French oak foudres, seasoned barrels and stainless-steel tanks, with each vessel resulting in a different expression of Chenin Blanc and imparting a layered dimension to the wine. The wine was aged for nine months on the lees in French oak, which contributed to the complexity and texture of the wine.