Reyneke Chenin Blanc

This Chenin comes from the Reyneke’s biodynamic range, where the winemakers take a holistic approach to farming: such as prioritising people, naming their cows instead of numbering them, studying weeds to understand their purpose rather than simply removing them.

There’s a lot to be said about the traditional methods of winemaking. When the Reyneke farm was established as ‘Uitzicht’ in 1863, it relied solely on the land and nature, without any chemicals or technological advancements. Uitzicht, which means ‘View’ in Dutch, is situated overlooking Stellenbosch and False Bay, with slopes facing north, east, and south. The prime land is dedicated to vineyards, while the remaining areas complement them with pasture, composting, and patches of natural wilderness. Biodynamic agriculture originates from an era when there was a spiritual comprehension of life, particularly in farming practices.

The Reyneke Vineyards are free from herbicides, pesticides, and fungicide. Instead of using chemical sprays, the winemakers employ a careful selection and cultivation of companion plants among their vines to naturally suppress weeds. These companion plants have the capacity to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, aid in soil aeration, and provide habitats for beneficial insects.
The Biodynamic Chenin Blanc comes from the oldest vineyards on the property, planted in 1974 and 1979. Grapes are meticulously hand-harvested and cooled overnight before processing. The fermentation occurred spontaneously in 300L oak barrels and foudres. The wine was then aged in older oak, on the lees, for 10 months. Its first dose of SO2 was added once it was racked out of the barrel, just before bottling.

The white wine presents a bouquet of quince, white pear, and lemon, enhanced by subtle hints of honeysuckle. On the palate, it reveals layers of lemon, quince, pear, and apple pith, perfectly balanced by lively acidity. The finish is textured, leaving a lasting impression on the palate.