Old Vine Project Chenin Blanc

Shellfish, Spicy food, Lean fish, Mild and soft cheese

The Old Vine Project Chenin Blanc is mostly sourced from vineyards older than 35 years in the Stellenbosch region. The predominant vineyard was planted in 1966 and turned 58 this year. In 2023, rainfall fell below the normal annual average. This drier vintage resulted in wines exhibiting more richness and concentration, attributed to the smaller berries and reduced crop size. Although the heat remained consistent with the previous year’s average, the harvest period was condensed due to irregular summer rainfall.

Fermented and aged in concrete egg vessels for 11 months.

The grapes are meticulously hand-harvested, and the bunches are gently pressed in our cellar. The resulting clear juice is then carefully transferred to concrete egg vessels for fermentation. Additionally, a small percentage undergoes fermentation in neutral barrels. After 4 months, the individual batches are evaluated and blended together and further aged for 6 months in concrete egg vessels.

Waterford Estate is situated in the Blaauwklippen Valley on the rolling slopes of the Helderberg Mountain in the well-known Stellenbosch region. Waterford Estate prides themselves in making Fine Wine from carefully selected grapes. Winemaker, Mark Le Roux and viticulturist, David van Schalkwyk both believe a Fine Wine displays the character of its cultivar and a true sense of place. A Fine Wine should reflect the length on the palate, has a complexity of flavours, internal harmony between aromatics and the palate, and balance between its essential components.