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Thistle & Weed

2024

‘Brandnetel’

Chenin Blanc   |   Stellenbosch - South Africa
Shelf Talker Spec Sheet Wine Label Bottle Image

About

The brandnetel (Urtica dioica )—or stinging nettle—is steeped in dualities: both fierce and soft; painful and restorative; tenacious yet humble. This often-overlooked weed brings magic to fairytales, protection in folklore and vitality to soils. Inspired by these dualities, this unique wine, made from Chenin Blanc vines perched on the slopes overlooking Stellenbosch, serves as a reminder that magic is woven into every life from the soil to the glass. The vineyard was planted in 1980 and is a living library of historical rootstocks with over 33 different rootstocks in this old experimental plot.  The sandstone soils with deep clay is so well draining that the vines shoot their roots deep in search for water and nutrients, giving concentration to the wine. The maritime influence lends a beautiful salinity to the wine.

The grapes were handpicked, delicately whole-bunch pressed and naturally fermented. Only the free run juice was fermented in third-pass French oak barrels. The lees was stirred for the first month, after which the wine was allowed to mature on the lees for 9 months prior to bottling with just a small dosage of sulfur. No fining or filtering.

Stats

  • Grapes: 100% Chenin Blanc
  • Vineyard: Brandnetel Vineyard (Nietvoobij, Stellenbosch)
  • Vine Age: 44-years-old
  • Soil Type: Table Mountain sandstone and clay
  • Viticulture: Conventional
  • Fermentation: Native – old 225L oak barrels (100% whole-bunch pressed)
  • Skin Contact: None
  • Aging: 9 months on gross lees in old French 225L oak
  • Alcohol: 13.5%
  • pH: 3.42
  • Total Acidity: 5.3 g/L
  • Total SO2: 30 ppm
  • Total Production: 308 cases
  • UPC: 606110392419
  • SRP: $34.99

Tasting Note

Lifted notes of quince, white peach, and blood orange lead into a poised, Chenin Blanc–driven palate with generous texture and taut, citrus-bright acidity. A maritime salinity shapes a more linear, mineral expression, carrying through to a clean, subtly savory finish.

Press & Reviews

The WineMag

94

"From a Stellenbosch planted in 1980. Enticing aromatics of herbs, lime, lemon, ginger and a subtle waxy note. The palate is strikingly intense, with concentrated fruit and arresting acidity, the finish deeply savoury. Power and precision in equal measure—well balanced, seamless, and refreshingly unadorned."

- Christian Eedes

Tim Atkin, MW

95

"Generally my favourite of the Thistle & Weed Chenin Blancs, this comes from two old-vine parcels on the Simonbserg. Tangy, focused and refreshing it has engaging pear and lemon zest fruit, a hint of exotic sweetness, negligible oak and lots of granitic energy."

- Tim Atkin, MW
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Producer


Thistle & Weed

Region


Stellenbosch

Country


South Africa

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