A new wine has been born, but it’s one with a long, trans-continental history. Revenant 2017 is a blend of Sauvignon and Chenin Blanc that significantly, reflects the rebirth of a legendary blend that first brought fame to the Loire in France and now again reflects the excellence of South Africa’s Schapenberg and Helderberg vineyards.

The Atlantic-facing slopes of these two areas overlooking False Bay have long been the source of Sauvignon and Chenin Blanc grapes used in some of the Cape’s premier wines. It was a blend of these particular varieties that first focused the world’s attention on the Loire, before popularity moved to single-varietal wines.

Revenant is produced for False Bay Vineyards at Waterkloof, with a large proportion of the grapes coming from its own vineyard. The world-renowned estate lies at the epicentre of terroir in which these varieties thrive.
 
The blend itself has a special link with Waterkloof – the first white wine made by owner Paul Boutinot in France back in 1984 was also composed of Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc. Those were the days before Waterkloof, the days when the wine was simply named Cuvée Jean Paul.

It was made in the traditional way – fermented spontaneously with wild yeast and gently crafted with minimal intervention. Since then, whether making wine in France or South Africa, Paul’s winemaking philosophy never wavered, with tradition upheld.
  

Waterkloof Winemaker Nadia Barnard with estate owner Paul Boutinot

Then, Paul’s path led to South Africa where in 1994 he founded False Bay Vineyards and later in 2004, his biodynamic vineyard Waterkloof.

Now, traditions are rediscovered. Young winemakers are returning to the best of the old ways. It is a renaissance and recognition of the importance of naturally balanced grapes; of minimal intervention winemaking; of old wood, concrete tanks and the beauty of the blend.
 

Waterkloof Winemaker Nadia Barnard

Revenant encapsulates this re-birth of tradition and the spirit of ‘new wave’ South African wine.
 

More about Revenant 2017

The vineyards responsible for the wine grow in nutrient-rich sandstone soils, exposed to optimal sunlight and the mists and breezes of cool Atlantic Ocean air. Some of these vineyards are as old as 35 years, lending rare personality and depth to the wine.

The grapes themselves were whole-bunch pressed. The wine, wild fermented primarily in old barrels and concrete eggs, with 10 months of ageing on lees.

The result is a wine of outstanding quality and a worthy ambassador of its components – the very essence of two lost souls re-born in new lands.

Revenant is available at Waterkloof at R95/bottle and can be found on the wine lists of some of South Africa’s finest restaurants.

For more information about Waterkloof visit www.waterkloofwines.co.za or follow @WaterkloofWines on Facebook and Twitter.
  

Waterkloof is situated on the outskirts of Somerset West and within a spectacular amphitheatre of vineyards, fynbos and mountains. Its environmentally sensitive approach to farming, honest wines, highly rated restaurant and striking cellar design are pillars of its reputation.