Project Z Chenin Blanc Skin Contact

Particularly well-suited to a French Cheese platter.

The skins of the Chenin Blanc grapes were not removed before fermentation and the interaction between skin and fermenting juice elevated the profile of this white wine into a new stratosphere. The grapes were sourced from a vineyard over four decades old in the Firgrove region of Stellenbosch. Growing on clay and decomposed granite and subjected to the maritime airflow off the Atlantic Ocean at False Bay, the vineyard was selected for its ability to grow grapes offering a superior expression of the site’s unique geography.

Fermentation in Italian clay amphorae with a 10-day period of skin-contact with a further 12 months of maturation in amphorae captures the essence of this vineyard, with the skin-contact providing linearity, razor-sharp focus and an intriguing maritime salinity.

Kleine Zalze wines are marked by a classical structure and complexity matched by a vibrant flavour intensity. Discernibly South African in style, they are refreshing, beautifully balanced and well-suited to food. Our wines are made according to traditional methods with minimal cellar intervention, but supported by modern equipment.