Chenin Blanc

This Chenin Blanc pairs well with a range of dishes, including creamy seafood like lobster bisque, roasted poultry, or soft cheeses such as Brie or Camembert. Its acidity and layered profile also complement dishes with subtle spice and rich textures.

Planted in 1980, this single-vineyard Chenin Blanc is located on the south-west facing slopes of Simonsberg, Stellenbosch. The soil is a blend of decomposed granite and Table Mountain sandstone, a beautiful combination for these old, dryland-farmed vines. This 100% old-vine Chenin Blanc aims to reflect the essence of the vineyard, using a natural approach to harmonize the wine's linear freshness with its ripe fruit complexity. The grapes were harvested on the 1st and 3rd of March 2022 at two different ripeness levels, creating multiple layers of fruit flavours. This thoughtful selection adds depth and captures a specific moment in the vineyard's life that highlights its unique qualities, making it ideal for a wide range of occassion, particularly when paired with food.

The grapes were whole-bunch pressed, and the juice was settled without any additives. Spontaneous fermentation followed, with the wine aging in a blend of 60% concrete, preserving the purity of the fruit and adding tension to the wine. 20% new French oak (500L barrels), imparting subtle oak influence for complexity and longevity. 20% older French oak, offering further depth while allowing the fruit to remain at the forefront. Spontaneous partial malolactic fermentation occurred, and the wine rested on gross lees until October, adding texture and complexity.

“Sometimes you don’t need to measure; sometimes you just know.” Inspired by the instinctive mastery of a tailor, Rock of Eye embodies a balance of precision and intuition in winemaking. Based in Stellenbosch, Coenie Snyman brings three decades of expertise to shape wines that capture the unique character of Stellenbosch’s vineyards. Founded in 2021, Rock of Eye produces Chenin blanc, Cinsault, and Cabernet Sauvignon—wines designed to pair with food and reflect the essence of Coenie’s hometown, Stellenbosch. “Wine is a celebration of land and winemaker—a reminder that sometimes you just know.”