A history of the Cleef family started back in the late 17th century, when Nicolaas Cleef established himself on a farm named de Groote Zalze, just outside Stellenbosch.
In more recent times, Kobus Basson and his family took ownership of the property in 1996. They embarked on a renovation project for the cellar and initiated the replanting of the vineyards, shaping the evolution of Kleine Zalze into its present-day form.
Producers uphold a clear and unwavering vision that runs through all our wines, serving as a golden thread of quality and consistency. It’s essential to them that their diverse range of high-quality wines can be accessible and enjoyed by wine enthusiasts across the spectrum, catering to various budgets and style preferences.
The grapes for this Chenin Blanc are sourced from selected “Bush Vine” vineyards in Stellenbosch, with an average vine age of 35 years. Given the nature of bush vines, meticulous canopy management was implemented to prevent excessive sunlight exposure to the bunches and ensure uniform ripening of the grapes.
Only the free-run juice was utilised which was transferred into barrels and Terracotta Amphorae for fermentation. To preserve the unique characteristics of the respective terroirs, no new barrels were used. Post-fermentation, the wine underwent an additional 7 months of aging on the primary lees before being racked out and readied for bottling.
This wine exhibits flavours of melon, white peach, and almond blossom, with a subtle hint of minerality that enhances its overall elegance. Aged in old oak, it offers a textured and creamy mid-palate, balanced by a lively, crisp finish. This wine can be enjoyed now, but with careful cellaring it should age gracefully over the next 10 years.
Food pairing suggestion: Goats cheese and beetroot salad
There are no reviews yet.