Wine Spice Route, Chenin Blanc, 2022

Chenin Blanc from the company Spice Route – a bold, rich, bright wine made from grapes from unirrigated vines grown in vineyards Svartlenda, mostly 34-year-old vines farm Rheeboksfontein, characteristic of South Africa on the basis of a mixture of sand and gravel. The grapes are harvested by hand. In 2013, the harvest took place from 26 February to 12 March. After destemming and soft pressing of grapes juice poured to clarify for 48 hours in French barriques (of which 10% – new) before the start of fermentation. After alcoholic fermentation took place malolactic, and then the wine is aged 5 months in oak barrels with weekly battonazhem. Wine storage potential is 5-7 years.

History of the Spice Route has its origins in 1997, when the successful winemaker Charles Back bought a farm called Klein Amoskil, more known for its wheat than wine. This was the first step in implementing the philosophy of “wine must reflect the terroir.” In just two years the manor was a revolution – were planted new varieties of white and red grapes that had never grew in South Africa. With the help of his like-minded friends – oenologists, wine critics and just “activists” – Charles Back quickly achieved success. 2005 was marked by the acquisition of vineyards on the hills Darling region where today is grown Sauvignon Blanc.

Company name Spice Route reflects the general philosophy of the manufacturer, not fearing the difficulties, and is associated with the brave sailors of the XV century, which made dangerous, but exciting journey on the Path of spices.