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Wolf & Woman

2023

Chenin Blanc

Swartland - South Africa
Shelf Talker Spec Sheet Wine Label Bottle Image

About

Jolandie has two rules for her Chenin Blanc:  One, the vineyards must be older than 35-years and two, they must be sustainable and dry-farmed.  Check and check.  In 2023, the grapes came from four sites: 70% came from three sites on the Paardeberg Mountain (Uitvlug, Lammershoek, & Langkloof Vineyards) and the remaining 30% came from the Rooidraai Vineyard in Malmesbury. The granitic components from the Paardeberg are linear and mineral-driven with more ‘white’ notes and very fresh tones.  The iron-derived influences, on the other hand, impart beautiful yellow-spectrum aromatics, which adds richness and texture to the final blend.

The fruit was hand-harvested in the early morning hours and cold-soaked in small picking bins for 24 hours.  The following morning the bunches were whole-bunch pressed to stainless-steel and the juice was allowed to settle naturally overnight.  The juice and fine lees were transferred to a combination of old 300L (20%) and 500L barrels (80%).  Fermentation kicked off naturally without any additions and two weeks of battonage was employed for textural notes. After 10 months aging the wines were racked to tank to settle and the wine was bottled two weeks later without fining and just a gentle filtration and small sulfur addition.

Stats

  • Grapes: 100% Chenin Blanc (bushvine)
  • Vineyard: 70% Paardeberg (Uitvlug, Lammershoek, & Langkloof Vineyards) - 30% Malmesbury (Rooidraai Vineyard), all Certified Heritage Vineyards
  • Vine Age: 44-56-years-old (Paardeberg) - 43-years-old (Malmesbury)
  • Soil Type: Decomposed granite (Paardeberg) - Ironstone riddled shale (Malmesbury)
  • Viticulture: Sustainable – dry-farmed
  • Fermentation: Native – seasoned 300L & 500L French oak (100% whole-bunch pressed)
  • Skin Contact: None
  • Aging: 10 months on gross lees in neutral 300L & 500L French oak
  • Alcohol: 13.2%
  • pH: 3.2
  • Total Acidity: 5.6 g/L
  • Total SO2: 90 ppm
  • Total Production: 508 cases
  • UPC: 6009648141377

Tasting Notes

Sweet lemon, nectarines, dandelion flowers, and a touch of resinous reduction. Spices and fresh mushrooms emerge with air. Dense palate, bright acidity, and a textured finish.

Press & Reviews

The WineMag

96

"Grapes from four Swartland vineyards, planting dates ranging from 1968 to 1981. 70% from Paardeberg vineyards on granite, 30% from vineyards north-west of Malmesbury on iron-rich clay soils. Matured for 10 months in older 300- and 500-litre barrels. Pear, white peach, soft citrus, some yeasty complexity and a hint of reduction on the nose. Great fruit concentration, driving acidity and a pithy finish. A wine of both presence and poise."

- Christian Eedes

Tim Atkin, MW

96

"Jolandie Fouché uses grapes from four parcels - one in Malmesbury and three on the Paardeberg - to produce this stunning Chenin Blanc. Poised, refreshing, focused and self- confident, it has lovely granitic intensity, aromas of oatmeal and hay and a palate of salted lemons and beeswax. Impressive stuff."

- Tim Atkin, MW

Vinous

92

"The 2023 Chenin Blanc comes from Swartland—70% from Paardeberg and 30% from west of Malmesbury on ferrous soils. This has a wonderful nose that leans more toward the pithy side. Waxy and resinous, it really translates the variety with aplomb. The palate is well balanced with a superb texture. There’s just a mote of viscosity, building toward a slightly creamy, lightly spiced, chamomile-tinged finish. Highly recommended."

- Neal Martin
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Producer


Wolf & Woman

Region


Swartland

Country


South Africa

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