Spier Wine Farm, Good Nature Organic Chenin Blanc 2023

Spier is one of South Africa’s most historic and well-respected wineries, with a winemaking heritage dating back to 1692. Situated in Stellenbosch, the estate is known for its commitment to sustainability, ethical farming, and organic viticulture. The Good Nature range represents Spier’s dedication to minimal-intervention winemaking, using organically farmed grapes to create wines that are pure, vibrant, and expressive of their terroir. The 2023 Good Nature Organic Chenin Blanc is a fresh and fruit-driven white wine that highlights the variety’s natural brightness while maintaining structure and depth.

Sourced from organically farmed vineyards in the Western Cape, the grapes for this Chenin Blanc thrive in well-draining sandy and granite-rich soils, which contribute to the wine’s lively acidity and mineral backbone. The region’s Mediterranean climate, with warm days and cool nights, ensures balanced ripening, while early morning harvesting helps preserve fresh aromatics. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks to retain purity, followed by short lees ageing to enhance texture and complexity. The result is a crisp, vibrant wine with expressive fruit and a refreshing finish.

Appearance: Pale lemon with a subtle greenish hue, showcasing its youthful freshness. The wine is bright and clear, with fine, quick-moving legs that indicate a light, refreshing body. Swirling reveals a delicate sheen, hinting at the slight textural depth gained from lees ageing.

Aroma: Expressive and fragrant, with ripe pear, green apple, and white peach leading the way. Notes of citrus blossom and honeysuckle add floral elegance, while hints of lemon zest and wet stone contribute to a crisp, mineral-driven complexity. A delicate trace of honey and almond lingers in the background, adding subtle richness.

Taste: Fresh and fruit-forward, offering juicy pear, nectarine, and crisp green apple flavours. A vibrant streak of citrus zest runs through the palate, delivering mouthwatering acidity. Gentle saline minerality and hints of chamomile add depth, while the lees influence provides a smooth, rounded mouthfeel. The balance between bright fruit, zippy acidity, and delicate texture makes it both refreshing and complex.

Finish: Clean and invigorating, with lingering citrus, orchard fruit, and a touch of floral honey. The acidity leaves a crisp, mouthwatering sensation, while the mineral undertones provide structure and finesse. A whisper of almond and dried herbs emerges as the wine settles, adding subtle intrigue to the long, refreshing finish.

Food Pairing:
Grilled lemon and herb prawns, where the wine’s acidity enhances the seafood’s freshness while complementing the zesty flavours.
Soft goat’s cheese with honey and walnuts, allowing the wine’s fruit and mineral notes to balance the richness of the cheese while harmonising with the subtle sweetness of honey