Vineyard Selection Chenin Blanc

This Chenin Blanc pairs excellently with veal, pork, richer seafood dishes, and soft cheeses. Its balanced acidity and creamy texture enhance the flavors of these dishes, making it a versatile companion for various culinary experiences.

Sourced from selected bush vine vineyards in Stellenbosch, the vines average 35 years in age and are predominantly planted on decomposed granite soils. The 2024 growing season experienced an unusually hot and dry summer, leading to grapes ripening up to 14 days earlier than usual. Frequent ripeness monitoring ensured the grapes were harvested in optimal condition.

The wine was matured for seven months on primary lees in a mix of older French oak barrels, concrete eggs, and terracotta amphorae. No new barrels were used to preserve the unique characteristics of the terroir.

After handpicking, the grapes underwent extended skin contact for 24 hours to extract maximum flavor. Only the free-run juice was used, settled for one day, and then inoculated with selected yeast strains. Fermentation occurred in a combination of older French oak barrels, concrete eggs, and terracotta amphorae, with the barrel-fermented component comprising 95% of the final blend. The wine was aged on primary lees for seven months before bottling.

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.