Knorhoek Chenin Blanc is a rich, precise white wine from Simonsberg-Stellenbosch, crafted from old Chenin Blanc vines at Knorhoek Farm. The grapes are sourced from a single certified heritage block with vines over 40 years old, nicknamed “The Gallery” because each vine stands in the vineyard almost like a sculpture. The wine combines ripe stone fruit, candied ginger, spices, minerality, and a rounded texture with fresh acidity.
This Chenin Blanc comes from Simonsberg-Stellenbosch, at the foot of the Simonsberg mountain.
Location / Origin: The wine originates from Knorhoek Farm in Stellenbosch, where the vineyards are situated on the slopes of the Simonsberg.
Vineyard: The grapes are sourced from a single old block, planted in 1980. The variation within this block is significant, which is why different sections are harvested and processed separately.
Soil: The vineyard is planted on Oakleaf soil with weathered granite and sandstone. This gives the wine its combination of ripe fruit, structure, and mineral tension.
Vineyard management: The old vines naturally yield low quantities. This results in greater concentration in the grapes, making the final wine richer and more layered.
Vinification is small-scale and focused on complexity, texture, and preserving the character of the origin.
Harvest & Selection: The various sections of the single block are harvested separately. This allows each variation within the vineyard to be individually incorporated into the final blend.
Fermentation: The wine is fermented in a combination of oak foudres, concrete eggs, and 500-litre oak barrels, some of which are new. This blend provides both tension and roundness.
Bâtonnage: During maturation, the fine yeast cells are regularly stirred through the wine. This provides extra volume, texture, and an almost creamy mouthfeel.
Maturation: After fermentation, the wine matures for 10 months in the various vessels and then for another 6 months in the bottle. This gives the wine extra cohesion, depth, and length.
Alcohol content: With 13% alcohol, this Chenin Blanc has sufficient body, while the fresh acidity keeps the wine tight and lively.
This wine is made from Chenin Blanc from Simonsberg-Stellenbosch.
Chenin Blanc – Simonsberg-Stellenbosch: Chenin Blanc gives this wine its ripe peach, apricot, citrus, golden kiwi, honey-like texture, and fresh acidity. The old vines add concentration, depth, and a distinct mineral layer.
