Product Description
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Gabriel & Gysbert, Wellville, Old Vine Chenin Blanc, 2024, Bonnievale, South Africa
Producer Profile
Pieter Willem Gabriel farmed in Bonnievale his whole life, he was a passionate farmer and loved viticulture. He had five children – three boys and two daughters. All three sons farm in Bonnievale, and Dirk Gysbert Van Renen grew up in the hamlet of Stormsvlei nearby. He was a distiller for Stellenbosch Farmers Winery before starting his own business in Bonnievale.
“Though my brother and I inherited their names, these wines are about them – born in remembrance of their legacy in Bonnievale.” – Pieter Rossouw
Born and raised in Bonnievale; Pieter has been a traveller for years.
After completing a B.Agric (Cellar Technology and Viticulture) at Elsenburg in Stellenbosch, Pieter undertook harvests and gained valuable winemaking skill far and wide. He spent time at some of South Africa’s champion wineries as well as in California, Germany, New Zealand and France, but the time he spent in New York was a highlight – this is where he fell in love with and specialised in cool climate varieties.
Pieter finally returned to South Africa in 2017, where he set out to fulfil his long-held dream of making wines he could truly call his own. Enter Gabriel & Gysbert.
Pieter believes that less is more when it comes to making great wines. The farm is uniquely located within the Robertson Wine Valley, and he showcases this in every wine he makes.
Viticulture
The Welville Old Vine Chenin Blanc gets its name from the old health clinic that was built on the farm in the 1930’s. Patients, mostly from Cape Town,
spent weeks on the farm recovering from respiratory complications.
In addition to the dry climate, thought to be beneficial to the patients, the farm also supplied the patients with organic fruit and vegetables during their recovery time on the property.
Block A and B were planted in 1992 and the clone is SN 424. The Block is 130m above sea-level, North-East facing with North to South row direction. The soils are a combination of decomposed shale with a clay / loam base.
Winemaking
The Chenin Blanc was harvested by hand early in the morning and immediately pressed. No enzymes were used on the grapes or juice. We settled the juice for 48 hours before moving the cloudy juice to the three barrels; the barrels being 1st and 2nd fill respectively.
Fermentation was done wild and between 16 to 18 degrees Celsius.
Fermentation took 14 days, after which the wine was left on the thick lees for 12 months, with batonnage undertaken once a month.
Tasting Note
Pale yellow-lime colour with a clear, bright edge. On the nose it is vibrant with fresh floral notes such as orange and peach blossoms
are offset against an elegant richness with delicately noticeable hints of salted caramel.
A burst of moreish acidity awakens the palate with a clean and vibrant approach, leading into a myriad of citrus and yellow fruit flavours. Notes of Seville orange, yuzu lime and kumquat are followed by hints of butterscotch and caramel, leading into lingering floral tones on the finish.
Goes well with
This Chenin Blanc is quite special, in that the Old Vine yield less fruit, yet has excellent concentration. Paired with a gruyere salad with grilled nectarines, or buttery west-coast sole is an option for summer, while Peking duck, hearty roasted root vegetable dishes or marmalade glazed gammon will be perfect for winter.
Cellaring
10 – 15 years with careful cellaring.
Don’t just take our word for it…
91 POINTS / GOLD Medal – Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge
GOLD Medal – Michelangelo International Wine & Spirit Competition
Features
Varieties: Old Vine Chenin Blanc 100%
Colour: White
ABV: 13.5%
Closure: Natural Cork
Style: Still
Case Size: 6 x 75cl
Country: South Africa
Region: Bonnievale
Vintage: 2024
