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Thistle & Weed

2022

‘In Pieces’

Chenin Blanc   |   Western Cape - South Africa

About

‘In Pieces’ is a reference to picking up the pieces after the calamity of 2020. On one of his routine wanderings through the vineyards, Etienne found antique pottery shards strewn about, probably emerging after a vineyard plowing. It was like discovering a little treasure, something from the past which catches your eye, a touch of blue and white to remind them of the history of their land. It gave Stephanie and Etienne a renewed sense of place, and an appreciation for the hands that have tended to the vines and crops there for generations. In a more figurative sense, ‘In Pieces’ also refers to several pieces (barrels) of Chenin Blanc which are used to make up this blend from vineyards in Stellenbosch, Swartland and Paarl. The shards on the label are images of the actual shards they found.

The grapes were brought into the cellar and pressed immediately into old French oak (fourth fill and older). Fermentation occurred spontaneously, after which the wines remained in the barrels for 8 months of aging. At this point the wine was racked off the lees, and the wine was bottled with a light sheet filtration and small sulfur addition. No fining.

Stats

  • Grapes: 100% Chenin Blanc
  • Vineyard: Nietvoorbij Farm (Stellenbosch) - Agnes Vineyard (Paarl) - Uitvlug Farm (Swartland)
  • Vine Age: Average: 30-years-old
  • Soil Type: Varied: Granitic, sandstone, and shale derivative
  • Viticulture: Sustainable – dry-farmed
  • Fermentation: Native – seasoned French barriques
  • Skin Contact: None
  • Aging: 8 months in seasoned French barrique
  • Alcohol: 13%
  • Residual Sugar: 2 g/L
  • pH: 3.51
  • Total Acidity: 4.8 g/L
  • Total SO2: 105 ppm
  • Total Production: 225 cases
  • UPC: 658325600544

Tasting Note

The nose is marked by citrus fruits, mainly orange, and a subtle hint of vanilla. The palate leans more tropical, with pineapple and mango taking center stage. Lees aging adds a yeasty note before a dry, lingering finish.

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