THISTLE & WEED Brandnetel Chenin Blanc 2024

Grapes were sourced from a vineyard located on the foothills of the Simonsberg Mountain in Stellenbosch, soils are granite based and display a high level of weathering. Large sandstone fragments on the surface, leads to a coarse free draining topsoil fraction. The vineyard was planted in 1980 at 300m altitude, originally destined as a rootstock trial and contains no less than 32 rootstocks, within its modest 0.3ha proportions.

The grapes were delicately wholebunch pressed and naturally fermented. Only the free run juice was fermented in older French oak barrels. The wine was allowed to mature on the lees for 10 months prior to bottling unfined and unfiltered.

Stone fruit, pineapple and salty air on the nose. The palate is rich and more-ish, gentle oaking provides the stage for an intense citrus finish with a refreshing acidity. Savour now or let it age gracefully. 

2023: 96 Pkt Tim Atkin 

The brandnetel (Urtica dioica ) - or stinging nettle - is steeped in dualities: both fierce and soft; painful and restorative; tenacious yet humble. This often overlooked weed brings magic to fairytales, protection in folklore and vitality to soils. Inspired by these dualities, this unique wine, made from Chenin Blanc vines perched on the slopes overlooking Stellenbosch, reminds us that magic is woven into our lives from the soil to the glass. 

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