Chenin Blanc Tasting at Perdeberg Cellar
18:55:00Nine different Chenin Blanc styles, all from one winery, ‘The Home Of Chenin Blanc’ – Perdeberg Cellar
A true South African draw card, this varietal thrives in Perdeberg’s dryland environment. The brand’s award-winning history over many years underscores Chenin Blanc’s quality and excellence.
The Chenin Blancs in their range include elegant accessibility to complex wines, ably assisted by wood exposure, as well as the fortified, naturally sweet and Méthode Cap Classique expressions!
The Classic Collection Chenin Blanc 2022
Our Classic Collection of wines is made in an elegant, but fruity new world style. Wines can be enjoyed with food or on their own.
The Vintage
The 2022 vintage is one of the longest and latest vintages in history. The growing season started very well due to a cold wet winter with sufficient soil moisture. The growing season was cool with good growth in the vineyards. We however experienced extreme heat conditions in January and February that had an impact on the harvest.
The Vineyards
The grapes were harvested from the Paarl and Swartland regions. The soil is mostly decomposed granite and sandstone that is well suited for vineyards in dryland conditions. No irrigation is given in the vineyard, and they rely only on natural rainfall. The berries are small due to the lack of water and give concentrated ripe fruit flavours.
Winemaking
The grapes were picked early in the morning by hand. After receiving the grapes, it was de-stemmed and 3 hours of skin contact was given. The juice was cleaned using flotation before fermentation. Great care was taken that only clear juice was used for the fermentation. The wine was fermented in stainless steel tanks for 15 days at a cold temperature and a selected yeast was added to achieve the correct style. The wine was aged on the lees for three months before bottling.
Ageing potential
Ready to be enjoyed now with the potential to age for two years.
Food pairings
Enjoy this easy-drinking, unwooded wine as an aperitif or paired with summer favourites such as creamy goat’s cheese, summer salads, sushi, pasta or pizza.
Tasting Notes
Colour: Pale straw
Bouquet: Tropical notes of white pear, guava and kiwifruit.
Taste: A crisp palate with a zingy finish.
Age of vine:
25 years
AVERAGE YIELD:
9 tonnes per hectare
CULITVAR:
100% Chenin Blanc
APPELATION:
Coastal
Wine Analysis:
Alc. by vol: 13.86% RS: 2.1 g/l TA: 5.6 g/l pH: 3.57
WINEMAKER:
Lodewyk Botha
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+27 (0)21 869 8244 | info@perdeberg.co.za | www.perdeberg.co.za
The Vineyard Collection OLD VINE Chenin Blanc Cap Classique 2019
THE RANGE
The Vineyard Collection Wines are made from specific vineyard blocks, each with its unique character for its cultivar and terroir. The wines are made in an elegant and new world style that makes the perfect accompaniment to any social occasion.
THE VINEYARD
These old vine Chenin Blanc grapes were sourced from a bushvine vineyard planted in 1977. The grapes were hand-harvested in the early morning, in late January at 19° Balling, when it was still cool. The soil is a combination of decomposed granite and Malmesbury shales.
These old vine Chenin Blanc grapes were sourced from a bushvine vineyard planted in 1977. The grapes were hand-harvested in the early morning, in late January at 19° Balling, when it was still cool. The soil is a combination of decomposed granite and Malmesbury shales.
THE WINEMAKING
After the grapes were de-stemmed, the whole bunch was pressed with no skin contact and only the best free-run juice was selected. The wine was then settled overnight and then the clean juice was fermented within stainless steel tanks. The juice was settled for twelve hours and the clean
juice was racked to the fermentation tank for the first alcoholic fermentation. After the fermentation the wine was stored on the lees for six months without any sulphur addition. The wine was then stabilized and filtered before the addition of sugar and yeast for the second fermentation. The second alcoholic fermentation was done in the bottle under a crown cap. The wine was then aged for at least eighteen months on the lees in the bottle. The wine was disgorged and then corked.
After the grapes were de-stemmed, the whole bunch was pressed with no skin contact and only the best free-run juice was selected. The wine was then settled overnight and then the clean juice was fermented within stainless steel tanks. The juice was settled for twelve hours and the clean
juice was racked to the fermentation tank for the first alcoholic fermentation. After the fermentation the wine was stored on the lees for six months without any sulphur addition. The wine was then stabilized and filtered before the addition of sugar and yeast for the second fermentation. The second alcoholic fermentation was done in the bottle under a crown cap. The wine was then aged for at least eighteen months on the lees in the bottle. The wine was disgorged and then corked.
TASTING NOTE
Green in colour. Notes of green pear, Granny Smith apples, lime and grapefruit are all evident on the nose. Fresh minerality on the palate with a biscuit finish.
Green in colour. Notes of green pear, Granny Smith apples, lime and grapefruit are all evident on the nose. Fresh minerality on the palate with a biscuit finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Serve well-chilled as an aperitif at any festival or special occasion, and pair it with oysters or fresh seafood dishes.
Serve well-chilled as an aperitif at any festival or special occasion, and pair it with oysters or fresh seafood dishes.
MATURATION POTENTIAL
Ready to be enjoyed now with the potential to age further for three to five years.
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
Alcohol: 12.66% by vol
Residual sugar: 6.0 g/l
Total acidity: 5.2 g/l
pH: 3.74
Winemaker:
Albertus Louw & Natalie Kühne
Cultivar:
100% Chenin Blanc
100% Chenin Blanc
Appellation:
Paarl
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The majestic Paardeberg Mountain towers over our vineyards, which are flanked by fields of endemic fynbos like African daisies, pear tree blossoms and buttercups. This vibrant ecosystem is also home to fauna like the Protea seed-eater, cryptolaemus ladybird, frogs and snails. As wine producers, this living landscape is an everyday reminder of our great responsibility as custodians of nature.
Paarl
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+27 (0)21 869 8244 | info@perdeberg.co.za | www.perdeberg.co.za
Natuurlik Organic Chenin Blanc 2022 Organic Wine
Perdeberg is therefore proud to introduce Natuurlik, A product that represents our commitment to conservation and sustainability.
THE VINTAGE
The 2022 vintage is one of the longest and latest vintages in history. The growing season started very well due to a cold wet winter with sufficient soil moisture. The growing season was cool with good growth in the vineyards. We however experienced extreme heat conditions in January and February that had an impact on the harvest. Chenin Blanc is however resilient and still produced good quality fruit under these dry hot conditions.
THE VINEYARDS
The grapes were harvested from a single vineyard in the Coastal region. The top soil is yellow brown sand with gravel ironstone in the bottom soil that suits Chenin Blanc under these growing conditions. No irrigation is given in the vineyard and it relies on natural rainfall. The vineyard is organically farmed keeping the natural biodiversity of the soil and ecosystem in place.
THE VINIFICATION
The grapes are picked by hand in the early morning. Grapes are de-stemmed and skin contact for 2 hours is given. Only free run juice is selected and settled overnight. Great care is taken to only use clean juice for the fermentation to ensure fruit purity. The juice is fermented in stainless steel tank with the addition of Organic certified yeast. After fermentation, the wine is stored on the lees for 2 months before bottling.
APPELLATION/CULTIVATION AREA:
W.O. Western Cape
GRAPE VARIETIES:
100% Chenin Blanc
WINE ANALYSIS
Alc: 13.5% by volume | RS: 1.6 g/l | TA: 5.5 g/l | pH: 3.51
TASTING NOTES
COLOUR: Green, pale yellow.
BOUQUET: Citrus, lime, white pear and grapefruit flavours on the nose.
TASTE: The palate is rich and rounded with fresh acidity.
FOOD PAIRINGS
Enjoy this wine with foods like fried chicken, pizza or pasta.
AGEING POTENTIAL
1 – 2 years
AGEING POTENTIAL
1 – 2 years
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+27 (0)21 869 8244 | info@perdeberg.co.za | www.perdeberg.co.za
The Vineyard Collection Chenin Blanc 2022
THE RANGE
The Vineyard Collection Wines are made from specific vineyard blocks, each with its unique character for its cultivar and terroir. The wines are made in an elegant and new world style that makes the perfect accompaniment to any social occasion.
THE VINEYARD
The grapes were harvested from 38-year-old bushvine vineyards in the Coastal region. Harvesting took place in mid-February at a minimum of 22° Balling in the early morning when it was still cool. The soils, composed of decomposed granite and Malmesbury shales, are deep and strong in structure as no irrigation was used in these vineyard blocks. The vineyards
relied mostly on winter rainfall.
THE WINEMAKING
After the grapes were de-stemmed, skin contact was given for two hours, and the juice was extracted. Only free-run juice was used, and great care was taken to ensure that the juice was clear before fermentation. The wine was fermented within steel tanks to ensure the pure, concentrated fruitiness grapes were infused into the wines. The wine was aged on the lees for three months to ensure complexity and longevity.
After the grapes were de-stemmed, skin contact was given for two hours, and the juice was extracted. Only free-run juice was used, and great care was taken to ensure that the juice was clear before fermentation. The wine was fermented within steel tanks to ensure the pure, concentrated fruitiness grapes were infused into the wines. The wine was aged on the lees for three months to ensure complexity and longevity.
TASTING NOTE
Pear, peach and tropical notes are all prominent on a very generous nose. The palate is rich, but still fresh with hints of citrus and litchi.
FOOD PAIRING
This wine will pair well with most fish or poultry and is an ideal match for spicy curries. Best served chilled.
MATURATION POTENTIAL
Ready to be enjoyed now with the potential to age further for five years.
SUITABILITY FOR VEGETARIANS OR VEGANS
This is a vegan friendly wine, suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
Alcohol: 13.76% by vol
Residual sugar: 2.1 g/l
Total acidity: 5.8 g/l
pH: 3.33
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+27 (0)21 869 8244 | info@perdeberg.co.za | www.perdeberg.co.za
Iconic Range Endura Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc 2020
THE RANGE
Endura pays tribute to the enduring journey of survival a dryland vine embarks on year after year
to produce its best fruit. Smaller berried, flavour-rich grapes are nature’s way of aligning the dryland vine’s energy levels with challenging external conditions and so ensuring the best
possible outcome.
to produce its best fruit. Smaller berried, flavour-rich grapes are nature’s way of aligning the dryland vine’s energy levels with challenging external conditions and so ensuring the best
possible outcome.
THE VINTAGE
The 2020 vintage shows another extremely dry year for South African wines with a low production rate. These extreme drought conditions resulted in small berries with an intense concentration of
fruit. Perdeberg’s wines have shown notable elegance with a fine tannin structure, intense colour and fruit-forward flavours, all of which show impressive ageing potential.
THE VINEYARD
Made from a Single Vineyard of Chenin Blanc on top of Paardeberg Mountain, this wine, presents a marriage of skill, unique terroir and the noble qualities of the Chenin Blanc grape. The soil is mostly decomposed granite and this gives natural acidity and freshness to the wine with excellent ageing potential. The grapes were hand-harvested at 23 °Balling in the early morning in small crates.
THE WINEMAKING
The grapes were brought back to the cellar where they were de-stemmed and sorted to remove any unwanted berries. The berries were crushed and the juice was settled overnight and only clean free-run juice was transferred to the fermentation vessels.
The grapes were brought back to the cellar where they were de-stemmed and sorted to remove any unwanted berries. The berries were crushed and the juice was settled overnight and only clean free-run juice was transferred to the fermentation vessels.
This wine was naturally fermented in Ceramic Amphora, a Diamanté Wine Tanks and French oak
barrels. The wine was aged on the lees for eight months before blending the different components to create perfect harmony.
TASTING NOTE
Colour: Gold
Bouquet: Notes of ripe stone fruit,citrus and lemon on the nose.
Taste: A rich palate with a fresh acidity and mineral finish.
FOOD PAIRING
This wine will pair well with most fish or poultry and is an ideal match for spicy curries. Serve
slightly chilled.
MATURATION POTENTIAL
Ready to be enjoyed now with the potential to age further for five years.
Ready to be enjoyed now with the potential to age further for five years.
Winemaker: Albertus Louw
Age of vines: 12 years
Average yield: 5 tonnes per hectare
Cultivar: 100% Chenin Blanc
Appellation: Paardeberg
Cultivar: 100% Chenin Blanc
Appellation: Paardeberg
Alcohol: 13.94% by vol
Residual sugar: 2.4 g/l
Total acidity: 6.0 g/l
pH: 3.39
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+27 (0)21 869 8244 | info@perdeberg.co.za | www.perdeberg.co.za
The Dry Land Collection Courageous OLD VINE Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2021
THE RANGE
Under extreme conditions, Mother Nature provides its best fruit. The Dry Land Collection Wines pays homage to its testing terroir, showcasing the uniqueness of wines produced from dry land
vineyards. Created in a new world style, these wines are complex with ample fruit and structure. Each wine holds a symbolic name that shares a characteristic of its source.
THE VINEYARD
Harvested by hand, the grapes used for this exceptional wine are from a certified old vine, 36 years of age, situated in the Paarl area. The soil consists mainly of decomposed granite, ensuring the wine's natural acidity and aging potential. This vineyard block has no irrigation as it primarily relies on winter rainfall. Harvesting took place on a cool, early morning in mid-February between 23 and 24° Balling.
THE WINEMAKING
The grapes were de-stemmed, whereafter skin contact followed for two hours. Great care was taken to ensure clear, free-run juice is extracted before fermentation, as it infuses the pure, concentrated fruitiness of the dry land grapes into the wine.
Made in a rich and ripe wooded style, this Chenin Blanc was fermented and matured in 500-litre French oak barrels, of which 80% older barrels are two to six years old, and the remaining 20%
are new French oak barrels. The wine spent ten months in the barrels and was aged a further six months in the bottle. The wine was kept on the lees until bottling, with no lees stirring. No
malolactic fermentation took place to keep the natural Chenin Blanc acidity.
are new French oak barrels. The wine spent ten months in the barrels and was aged a further six months in the bottle. The wine was kept on the lees until bottling, with no lees stirring. No
malolactic fermentation took place to keep the natural Chenin Blanc acidity.
In combination with the age-old traditions of Dry Land viticulture, it resulted in a very aromatic and richly textured wine, with characteristics typical to Chenin Blanc grown under dry land conditions.
TASTING NOTE
Colour: Pale gold
Bouquet: Citrus, pear, peach and pineapple notes are only some of the aromas evident in the aromatics of this wine.
Taste: The palate boasts hints of citrus, litchi and vanilla, while the finish is crisp with a well-defined acidity.
FOOD PAIRING
This wine pairs well with seafood dishes, fragrant chicken curry and rich cheeses!
MATURATION POTENTIAL
Ready to be enjoyed now with the potential to age further for eight years at optimum storage conditions.
Winemaker: Natalie Kühne
Cultivar: 100% Chenin Blanc
Appellation: Paarl
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
Alcohol: 14.17% by vol
Residual sugar: 4.3 g/l
Total acidity: 6.0 g/l
pH: 3.52
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+27 (0)21 869 8244 | info@perdeberg.co.za | www.perdeberg.co.za
The Dry Land Collection Rossouw's Herritage 2020
The Dry Land Collection Wines are made from grapes of dry land vineyards, which showcase the uniqueness of the wines grown in this testing terroir. The wine is made in a new world style, complex with ample fruit and structure.
THE VINEYARD
The grapes were harvested at 23 - 24° Balling from a combination of vineyards ranging from 16-year-old Grenache Blanc and Viognier vineyards to a 36-year-old Chenin Blanc vineyard in the Paarl/Swartland area. The soils are a combination of Malmesbury shales, Glenrosa and decomposed granite. These vineyard blocks used little to no irrigation as they primarily relied on winter rainfall.
THE WINEMAKING
Made in a lightly wooded style, thirty percent of this wine has spent ten months in 500-litre French oak barrels and, once bottled, was aged a further six months.
TASTING NOTE
This exquisite wine reflects the power of diversity shouldering up together to create something beautiful.
Colour: Light gold
Bouquet: Aromas of citrus, passion fruit, litchi and white pear is evident on the nose.
Taste: The palate is rich with vanilla and ends with a crisp acidity.
FOOD PAIRING
This wine pairs well with grilled line fish, pasta or chicken.
MATURATION POTENTIAL
Ready to be enjoyed now with the potential to age further for five to eight years.
Winemaker: Natalie Kühne
Cultivar: 57% Chenin Blanc & 29% Grenache Blanc & 14% Viognier
Appellation: Western Cape
Appellation: Western Cape
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
Alcohol: 13.82% by vol
Residual sugar: 3.2 g/l
Total acidity: 6.3 g/l
pH: 3.35
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+27 (0)21 869 8244 | info@perdeberg.co.za | www.perdeberg.co.za
The Dry Land Collection Longevity Natural Sweet Chenin Blanc 2018
The Dry Land Collection Wines are made from grapes of dry land vineyards, which showcase the uniqueness of the wines grown in this testing terroir. The wine is made in a new world style, complex with ample fruit and structure.
THE VINEYARD
The grapes were hand-harvested from 18-year-old vineyards on a five-wired trellised system in the Paarl area. Harvesting took place in mid-April at a minimum of 40° Balling in the early morning when it was still cool. Once the sugar reached 23° Balling, the clusters were snapped and our natural “Dry on Vine” process was followed until approximately eighty percent raisin status was obtained. The soils, a combination of decomposed granite and Malmesbury shales, are deep and strong in structure. These vineyard blocks used little to no irrigation as they primarily relied on winter rainfall.
THE WINEMAKING
After the grapes were de-stemmed, they were given skin contact for two days with regular pump-overs of the juice. This ensures that ripe flavours were extracted from the skins and raisins. Only
pressed juice was used, and great care was taken that the juice was clear before fermentation started to ensure the pure, concentrated fruit in the wine. The wine was thermo-flashed once it reached the required sugar levels. The wine was cross-flowed and transferred into barrels for maturation.
Made in a rich, sweet, lightly wooded style, this Chenin Blanc was matured in 500-litre French oak barrels for 6 - 8months and was aged a further twelve months in the bottle.
TASTING NOTE
This is another exceptional example of the versatility of Chenin Blanc. With its appealing colour, enticing aromas and vibrant mouthfeel, this wine is made to please.
Colour: Deep gold
Bouquet: Marmalade and honeycomb aromas with a hint of ginger are all prominent on the nose.
Taste: The palate is viscose and voluptuous.
FOOD PAIRING
Enjoy as dessert or pair with the likes of koeksisters, matured cheeses or other sweet treats.
MATURATION POTENTIAL
Ready to be enjoyed now with the potential to age further for eight years.
Winemaker: Albertus Louw & Natalie Kühne
Cultivar: 100% Chenin Blanc
Appellation: Paarl
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
Alcohol: 10.58% by vol
Residual sugar: 188.8 g/l
Total acidity: 7.2 g/l
pH: 3.39
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+27 (0)21 869 8244 | info@perdeberg.co.za | www.perdeberg.co.za
The Dry Land Collection Fortitude Chenin Blanc 2021
Under extreme conditions, Mother Nature provides its best fruit. The Dry Land Collection Wines pays homage to its testing terroir, showcasing the uniqueness of wines produced from dry land
vineyards. Created in a new world style, these wines are complex with ample fruit and structure. Each wine holds a symbolic name that shares a characteristic of its source.
THE VINTAGE
The 2021 vintage was later than normal with grapes picked two weeks later. The growing season was cool with good conditions and low disease risk. The harvest period was also cooler than
normal with no heat waves and some rainy days during harvest. The vintage was good in terms of quality and the wines show good ageing potential.
THE VINEYARD
The grapes were harvested from the Agter-Paarl region from a bush vine vineyard. The soil is mostly decomposed granite, which is well suited for vineyards in dryland conditions. No irrigation was given in the vineyard and they rely only on natural rainfall. The berries are small due to the lack of water and give concentrated ripe fruit flavours.
THE WINEMAKING
Grapes were harvested by hand, destemmed and crushed. Skin contact was given for two days with regular pump overs to ensure that all the flavours were extracted from the skins. The juice was clarified and then fortified with wine spirits. The fortified wine was then transferred to barrels and matured in 500-litre French oak second-fill barrels for 12 months.
TASTING NOTE
Colour: Deep gold.
Bouquet: Dried apricots, ripe yellow fruit with hints of peach.
Taste: Litchi, candied citrus with undertones of honeycomb. Fresh full palate.
FOOD PAIRING
This wine pairs well with puddings, cheese platters or butternut soup.
MATURATION POTENTIAL
Ready to be enjoyed now with the potential to age further for five to eight years.
SUITABILITY FOR VEGETARIANS OR VEGANS
This is a vegan friendly wine, suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.
Winemaker: Natalie Kühne
Cultivar: 100% Chenin Blanc
Appellation: Paarl
Age of vines: 22 years
Average yield: 8 tonnes per hectare
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
Alcohol: 16% by vol
Residual sugar: 216 g/l
Total acidity: 6.05 g/l
pH: 3.5
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Also see:
Fact sheets by: PERDEBERG GROUP PTY LTD
Pictures: WINETOURISMZA & SUPPLIED BY PERDEBERG GROUP PTY LTD
© 2022 Herman Lintvelt - WineTourismZA
Pictures: WINETOURISMZA & SUPPLIED BY PERDEBERG GROUP PTY LTD
© 2022 Herman Lintvelt - WineTourismZA
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