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Thistle & Weed

2020

‘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 a heritage bush vine vineyard on the north western tip of the Muldersvlei bowl in Paarl. The grower, Agnes’, grandfather planted the vineyard with a horse & plough in 1956, with most of the vines being planted in 1961. The small shards of koffieklip (ferricrete) on the soil surface pay testament to what lies under the light textured colluvium (transported topsoil).

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 10 months prior to bottling without fining or filtration.

Stats

  • Grapes: 100% Chenin Blanc
  • Vineyard: Agnes Vineyard
  • Vine Age: 59-years-old
  • Soil Type: Decomposed Granite and ferricrete
  • Viticulture: Sustainable – dry-farmed
  • Fermentation: Native – third use 225L, 300L & 500L French barrels
  • Skin Contact: None
  • Aging: 10 months in third passage 225L, 300L & 500L French barrels
  • Alcohol: 13%
  • pH: 3.65
  • Total Acidity: 4.4 g/L
  • Total SO2: 60 ppm
  • Total Production: 300 cases

Tasting Note

There is an alluring bouquet of mandarin and orange pith with nectarine and white peach aromas, a bit of nuttiness and a feint hint of grated nutmeg. The palate is concentrated but light on its feet with intensity of fruit balanced by a fine bead of acidity. The fruit is pronounced initially but gives way to more savory notes on the finish.

Press & Reviews

Tim Atkin, MW

94

"Stephanie Wild and Etienne Terreblanche's boutique operation is one of the most exciting Cape brands to emerge in the last five years. This very old-vine Paarl Chenin is structured, dense and waxy, with musk and apple flavours, very little oak but amazing purity. 2022-27"
- Tim Atkin, MW

The WineMag

94

"Grapes from a Paarl vineyard planted in 1961. Pear, white peach, dried herbs, and some leesy complexity on the nose. The palate has good weight with nicely integrated acidity – layers of flavour, the finish possessing that slight and not unpleasant bitterness that this variety often presents."
- Christian Eedes
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Producer


Thistle & Weed

Region


Paarl

Country


South Africa

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