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Tembela Wines

2021

Chenin Blanc

Cape Town - South Africa
Shelf Talker Spec Sheet Wine Label Bottle Image

About

In the short two years that Banele has been bottling wines under his Tembela brand, he’s had two different white wine releases. In 2020, he released Verdelho, which will always hold a special place in his heart because on a day he was visiting the vineyard, he got the call that his mother, Tembela, had passed away. All seasons come to pass; Banele wasn’t able to secure the Verdelho vineyard for a second vintage, and thus turned to Chenin Blanc. He sources this fruit from the old bush vine Altydgedacht Vineyard in Durbanville, an area that is much more known for Sauvignon Blanc. In this cooler climate, Chenin Blanc expresses its brighter, fresher side, and is a nice alternative to some of the richer Chenin Blancs that can come out of South Africa’s warmer areas, like the Swartland.

The grapes were 100% whole-bunch pressed and then the juice was allowed to settle overnight. The clear juice was racked off the solids, and then was sent to concrete eggs to ferment. The wine stayed there for 1 month, after which it was sent to old 225L barrels for 9 months. Bottling occurred after those 10 months without fining or filtering and just a 38 ppm dose of sulfur.

 

Stats

  • Grapes: 100% Chenin Blanc
  • Vineyard: Altydgedacht Vineyard
  • Vine Age: 38-years-old
  • Soil Type: Sandy soils
  • Viticulture: Sustainable - dry-farmed
  • Fermentation: Native — concrete egg
  • Skin Contact: None
  • Aging: 1 month in concrete egg and 9 months in 225L barrels
  • Alcohol: 13.5%
  • pH: 3.43
  • Total Acidity: 5.8 g/L
  • Total SO2: 38 ppm
  • Total Production: 50 cases

Tasting Notes

Honeysuckle, passionfruit, yellow peach, and citrus waft from the glass. The attack on the tongue is zesty, but the rounded body balances it out nicely. A rich, savory note drives to a lengthy finish.

Press & Reviews

The WineMag

93

"From a Durbanville vineyard nearly 50 years old. Matured for nine months in concrete egg and older oak. Citrus and yellow peach plus hints of honeysuckle and fynbos on the nose while the palate has good volume and tangy acidity – rich but not cloying or sweet, just very nicely balanced with a long finish."
- Christian Eedes

Tim Atkin, MW

93

"Banele Vakele is an exciting young winemaker who is rapidly making a name for himself and his brand. This Durbanville Chenin Blanc hails from a 38-year-old bush vine parcel and is a one off. Concrete egg fermented before ageing in older wood, it's leesy, textured, refreshing and dry, with lemongrass, pear and nectarine fruit and a tangy finish. 2022-25."
- Tim Atkin, MW

Vinous

91

"The 2021 Chenin Blanc has a neutral nose that demands coaxing, scents of wet limestone, pressed white flowers and a touch of jasmine - just a bit of reduction here that works to its advantage. It opens nicely after five minutes aeration. The palate is very well balanced with fine weight and purity, counterbalanced by the acidity. With hints of wild honey, peach skin and apricot, this delivers plenty of flavour on the finish."
- Neal Martin

Producer


Tembela Wines

Region


Cape Town

Country


South Africa

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