Old Bushvine Chenin Blanc

Pair with rich fish or cream-based chicken entrées.

Amongst the unique features of the Old Bush Vines Chenin blanc, is the grapes from which it is made. The grapes were planted in 1973, making it two years older than the Vinoneers! The 45-year-old bush vines are located in the Durbanville wine valley forming part of the wine of Cape Town wine region.

The only exception was the original Vinoneers 500 litre French oak barrel (affectionately christened “Makulu Makulu” by Etienne’s cellar staff) which fermented under the winemaker’s watchful eye outside his office! The wine underwent spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrel, after which it was left on the lees without sulphur addition for 6 months. The wine was matured for a total of 17 months in French oak 1 x 500 litre ( 2015 barrel ), 1 x 300 litre ( 2018 barrels ) and 3 x 225 litre ( 2016 barrels ).

The grapes were hand-picked on the 28th of February 2019 in the cool morning hours at 23.4°Balling. Subsequently sorted, de-stemmed, crushed, pressed and allowed to cold settle over two days. The juice was pumped to 5 barrels and fermented in a temperature-controlled facility at 16° Celsius ambient temperature.

“The answer to the ultimate question of Life, the Universe and Everything is 42” – Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. In their search for answers to the great questions of life, Orpheus and the Raven’s eyes were opened by the light of the present. But the curious pair knew that beyond the light, the universe had more to offer. “True knowledge exists in knowing that you know nothing, Orpheus,” said the Raven. “Then the answer to the ultimate question is obviously 42!” replied Orpheus in delight.