Warwick Old Vine Cheninblanc 2019

Warwick Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2019

Awards/Evaluation

2019 VT

Tim Atkin SA Wine Report 2020: 93 points
Greg Sherwood Wine Safari 2021: 95 points

Maker comment

Single vineyard chenin blanc from old vines planted in 1978. Aromas of baked apple, cinnamon, ripe pear, quince, peach and straw. Fresh and smooth acidity, concentrated fruit, moderate body, minerality, smooth and slightly rich taste. A sophisticated and elegant wine with a good balance of acidity, fruit and body, and a complex taste. The finish is long and creamy.

food pairing

Bagna cauda, ​​fried seafood, oily fish such as salmon and yellowtail, grilled fish with butter sauce, pasta with oil or cream sauce.

Country of origin/production area

south africa stellenbosch

vintage

2019

*Depending on stock availability, the vintage of the wine to be shipped may differ from the description. If you are interested in vintage, please contact us before ordering.

type

White

Main varieties

Chenin Blanc

Alcohol degree

13.50%

capacity

750ml

Producer information

Warwick is one of South Africa's leading boutique wineries in the Stellenbosch region. Dating back to 1771, the farm has a long history.
In 1964, former owners Stan and Norma Ratcliffe purchased Warwick, a former fruit farm. Viticulture started in 1981 with a focus on classic Bordeaux varieties (Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon).
Norma Ratcliffe's dedication to winemaking made her one of the first female Cape winemakers. Warwick's "First Lady" series is a tribute to her achievements.
The first release on the Warwick label was in 1984. Since then, it has won many awards both at home and abroad, and has grown into one of South Africa's leading brands and established its position.
The winery is located at an altitude of 240-360m in the hills of the Simmonsberg Mountains, called the Red Wine Zone of Stellenbosch. This high position allows cool southeasterly winds to blow the vineyards in spring and summer.
Warwick has a variety of slopes and different clay-rich soil types that produce unique terroirs and complex, characterful wines. The main soil types are granitic oak leaf and tukul. The vineyard has cool east facing, south east facing, south facing and slightly warmer west facing slopes. One of the top Cabernet Francs representing South Africa is produced here in Warwick, and its fields are on the south and southwest slopes.
One of the things we take care in growing is that irrigation is kept to a minimum to express the unique terroir of this farm.
Over the last ten years, we have also recognized the importance of biodiversity and strived to maintain a balance between nature and winemaking.
Our soils have a high clay content so the need for irrigation is very low and some fields require no irrigation at all.
Cover crops, such as legumes and radishes, planted in the winter months improve soil health, organic matter and microbial activity, and reduce the need for herbicides. As a result, many earthworms live in the soil.
And when it comes to pest control, we rely on natural predators. Everything is cultivated and managed with respect for biodiversity. As a result, the problem of snails, weevils and other harmful insects is cleared.
Warwick's philosophy is to never compromise on quality. We aim to perform at the highest level in all that we do. And the wine we aim for is elegance. It is a slightly modest classic style to express it.

overview

●Cap: Low Cap & Cork ●Cultivation/Manufacturing: Uses old vines planted in 1978 in a single field on a low slope in Simmonsburg. The soil is clay and granite. Older bush vines have lower yields and the grapes are more concentrated. Harvested early in the cool of the morning, whole bunch pressed and fermented in 400L French oak. 25% is from 2nd year barrels. Others use old neutral barrels. After fermentation, it is aged for 9 months with the lees still in it (sur-ly manufacturing method). Limited production.
●Aging potential: Vintage +5-8 years.

#South African wine