Kloof Street Chenin Blanc

After hand-harvesting, the grapes are whole-bunch pressed to extract the juice gently. Fermentation occurs in a combination of stainless steel tanks and older French oak barrels, using natural yeasts to enhance complexity and retain the purity of the fruit. The wine is kept on its lees for several months to build texture and depth, with occasional stirring to enhance the mouthfeel. This approach preserves the bright fruit character while adding subtle layers of complexity.

The grapes for this Chenin Blanc are sourced from old bush vines planted in the Swartland, some of which are over 30 years old. These vines are dry-farmed, meaning they are not irrigated, which encourages deep root systems that can access moisture and nutrients from deep within the soil. The vineyards are planted on decomposed granite and shale soils, providing excellent drainage and adding a distinctive mineral character to the wine. Sustainable viticulture practices are used, focusing on minimal intervention to let the natural terroir shine through.

The Mullineux Kloof Street Chenin Blanc 2022 is aged for about 6 to 9 months on its lees before bottling. This time on the lees adds a creamy texture and enhances the wine’s complexity, while the absence of new oak aging ensures that the primary fruit flavors and natural acidity remain vibrant.