Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2022

Spier’s 21 Gables range pays tribute to the farm’s historic Cape Dutch architecture, a nod to its heritage as one of South Africa’s oldest wine estates, founded in 1692. These wines represent the pinnacle of Spier’s portfolio, crafted with fruit from carefully selected vineyards and given the attention to detail reserved for premium cuvées. The Chenin Blanc is one of the flagship whites, consistently rated among the finest examples of the variety in Stellenbosch and South Africa at large, with a style that combines richness, minerality, and ageworthiness.

The fruit is sourced from old bush vines in the Tygerberg and Stellenbosch regions, many over 40 years of age, planted on decomposed granite and sandy loam soils. These low-yielding vines produce fruit of great concentration. Fermentation takes place in a combination of French oak barrels and concrete eggs, with extended lees contact to build texture and complexity. The result is a Chenin that shows both South African vibrancy and a depth comparable to top Loire Valley examples.

Appearance: Bright golden straw with glints of green, medium viscosity with slow, elegant legs.

Aroma: Expressive and layered, with ripe quince, baked apple, and peach compote lifted by honeysuckle, acacia, and hints of ginger spice and beeswax. Subtle oak tones of vanilla pod and toasted almond weave seamlessly in.

Taste: Rich and concentrated yet beautifully balanced. Flavours of pear, yellow apple, and citrus curd are underpinned by saline minerality and bright acidity. Oak brings subtle creaminess, while savoury notes of lanolin and spice add complexity.

Finish: Long, mouth-coating and elegant, with lingering notes of stone fruit, citrus zest, and a fine, chalky texture.

Food Pairing: Wonderful with Cape Malay spiced prawns, or roast guinea fowl with apricot stuffing.