Porcupine Ridge, Chenin Blanc 2020

The nose is rich, layered and fruity with its aromas of green apple, marmalade and gentle whiffs of lemon curd, acacia, tarragon and honeysuckle. Yellow apple, ripe pear and poached quince show on the palate with nuances of marzipan and lime. The midpalate is fruity, round, vibrant and balanced, with integrated acidity. The wine finishes clean and fresh with hints of apple blossom, chamomile and ginger.

For our 2020 vintage, we had a favourable growing season. For the first time in many years, all varieties seemed to have reached optimum ripeness at the same time, creating quite a challenge for most winemakers. The white varieties also ripened exceptionally early this year. We were faced with cold spells towards the end of our harvest and unexpected rain complicated matters further. Despite these adversities, the quality of our grapes was excellent, mostly since the soils sufficient moisture, after the prolonged drought. It was a slightly larger harvest with more bunches than usual, but the berries were tiny, giving concentrated juice and intense aromas and flavours. Our Chenin is grown on decomposed granitic soils, lending freshness and a fruity character, reflecting the beautiful quince, bruised apple and pear juice character – so typical of Swartland Chenin.

• Alcohol: 12.68% vol
• RS: 2.4 g/l
• TA: 6.1 g/l
• pH: 3.32
• W.O. Swartland