Patina, Chenin Blanc 2017

The nose entices with its fresh green fruit character showing aromas of Granny Smith and yellow apple, fresh pineapple, papaya, greengage and lime with whiffs of fig, acacia and lemon verbena. The fruit profile of the nose follows through onto the palate with flavours of poached pear, passion fruit, nectarine and quince. The mid-palate is very balanced with a soft, smooth mouthfeel and a vibrant, yet integrated, lemony acidity. Fresh tropical fruit lingers on a clean finish with hints of tarragon and ginger.

Grapes for our Patina Chenin Blanc are from a single site at our Goldmine Estate, grown on schist and decomposed dolomitic granite. Chenin has a particular affinity for the warm, Mediterranean terroir along the Riebeeks River, at the foothills of the Kasteelberg, in the Swartland district. The ongoing drought certainly played its role in the 2017 vintage, resulting in smaller berries, lower yields and concentrated fruit. Cooler night temperatures, without prolonged heat waves during the day, created an excellent diurnal range and favourable ripening conditions. The grapes were harvested with optimal natural analyses, reflecting the even ripening. Half of the grapes fermented spontaneously in concrete eggs, while the other half were skin-fermented for two weeks. Both components were matured in French barrique for 14 months.

• Alcohol: 13.34% vol
• RS: 3.75 g/l
• TA: 5.17 g/l
• pH: 3.40
• W.O. Swartland