‘Cortez’

Chenin Blanc | Swartland - South Africa

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About

‘Cortez’ comes from an organically farmed bush vine site planted in 1972. The vineyard is a special one, as it has been farmed organically since 2001 and every year, good or bad, it provides incredible tension in the wine. Craig attributes this to the high percentage of quartz/silica in the soil. As for the label, Craig and Carla change it up every year to best suit the feeling they think the wine is giving. The photo on the label was taken by their daughter, Camilla. It was a puzzle piece that was lying around the house on their leather table top. The name, ‘Cortez,’ is apparently named after the Dave Matthews & Neil Young song, ‘Cortez the Killer.’ “But they built up with their bare hands what we still can’t build today…”

The grapes were hand harvested and whole bunch pressed before fermenting spontaneously in four 500L old French foudres and one 1500L stainless steel tank. After 6 months, the wine was blended & bottled with a gentle filtration and sulfur addition. No fining.

Stats

Grapes: 100% Chenin Blanc
Vine Age: 52-years-old
Soil Type: Quartz & silica
Viticulture: Practicing organic
Fermentation: Native – old French foudres and stainless steel
Aging: 6 months in old French foudres and stainless steel
Alcohol: 11.5%
pH: 3.3
Total Acidity: 5.6 g/L

Tasting Notes

Fresh bread, honey, apricot, and a kick of citrus right up front. It’s smooth but lively, with that citrus carrying through. Nice minerality and a long finish that doesn’t quit.

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2022

‘Cortez’

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