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Thistle & Weed

2023

‘Duwweltjie’

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

About

Inspired and named after the Duwweltjies (Tribulus terrestris – Devils thorns) growing in the vineyard that cling to the soles of your shoes—reminders of paths travelled and those yet to be explored. This Chenin Blanc is sourced from the Duwweltjie vineyard in Damarakloof, in the region of Paarl. The vines are 63-years-old; their old-vine status means they have adapted to their climate so well that they keep their natural acidity, making the wine fresh and delicious, even in a warmer vintage. The Duwweltjie label was the first one made by Stephanie and Etienne, so this wine holds a special place in their hearts.

The winemaking is kept simple and true — whole bunch pressed, only the free run juice was used for natural fermentation in older French oak barrels. The lees was stirred for the first month, after which the wine was allowed to mature on the lees for nine months prior to bottling without fining and just a gentle sheet filtration and small dosage of sulfur.

Stats

  • Grapes: 100% Chenin Blanc
  • Vineyard: Duwweltjie Vineyard (Damarakloof)
  • Vine Age: 63-years-old
  • Soil Type: Granite with surface Malmesbury rocks (ferricrete - koffieklip)
  • Viticulture: Sustainable
  • Fermentation: Native – old 225L oak barrels (100% whole bunch pressed)
  • Skin Contact: None
  • Aging: 9 months in old 225L oak barrels
  • Alcohol: 13%
  • pH: 3.22
  • Total Acidity: 6.5 g/L
  • Total SO2: 114 ppm
  • Total Production: 233 cases
  • UPC: 700083611482
  • SRP: $34.99

Tasting Note

A distinctly Paarl take on Chenin Blanc, Duwweltjie opens with peach and citrus in full voice. The mid-palate is broad and layered, showing the depth and character that make old-vine Chenin so compelling.

Press & Reviews

The WineMag

96

"Grapes from a Paarl vineyard planted in 1961. Lime, lemon, nectarine and soft citrus with some floral perfume in the background. Dense fruit and snappy acidity before a dry finish – pure but not too lean. A very satisfying and complete wine."

- Christian Eedes

Tim Atkin, MW

94

"Duwweltjie - easier to drink than it is to spell for a non-Afrikaans speaker - comes from a 1961 parcel on ferricrete and decomposed granite soils on the Joostenberg farm. Picked in three phases, it has subtle aniseed and baking spice aromas, plenty of stony minerality, a savoury undertone and a core of citrus and beeswax."

- Tim Atkin MW
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Producer


Thistle & Weed

Region


Paarl

Country


South Africa

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