As South Africans prepare to celebrate Drink Chenin Day on 14 June, they can raise a toast to a remarkable achievement in the world of winemaking.
Johan Jordaan, the Cellar Master at Spier, has been named Global Chenin Blanc Master Winemaker at the illustrious Master Winemaker 100 awards held recently in Paris.
This prestigious recognition not only elevates Jordaan’s status but also highlights the versatility and dynamism of the Chenin Blanc grape varietal, a crown jewel of South Africa’s wine heritage.
Jordaan’s accolade is well-deserved, coming on the heels of significant successes at The Global Wine Masters competition. Both the Spier Good Natured Chenin Blanc 2023 and the Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2022 garnered Master gold medals this honour represents the pinnacle of recognition in the realm of wine awards.
The Chenin Blanc grape boasts a unique ability to adapt to diverse growing conditions, allowing it to express its terroir in intricate and nuanced ways.
‘Chenin is a wine built in layers. From vineyard to bottle, it takes many hands, and a deep respect for the land, While it’s a winemaker’s dream to work with, it also demands a hands-on approach and deep understanding of the vineyards,’ Jordaan notes.
Historically, chenin blanc has been a mainstay in South African viticulture, first planted in local soils in the 17th century, with the earliest documentation dated to 1655. Today, it accounts for 18.4% of the country’s vineyards, making it the most widely planted grape variety in South Africa.
This vigorous grape was traditionally favoured for large-production wines and blended varieties or as a base for brandy distillation. While it once went uncelebrated, it has finally emerged from the shadows to claim its rightful place in the global wine community.
‘Good wine starts with good soil,’ says Jordaan, emphasising the importance of sustainable practices in winemaking.
‘Our approach to Chenin Blanc, like everything we do at Spier, begins with caring for the land. This recognition belongs to our entire team from the people nurturing our soils to those crafting these wines in our cellar.’
The fruits of these labours are vividly displayed in the wines produced at Spier. The grapes for the Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2022 are hand-picked from old vine vineyards nestled in the Tygerberg hills near Cape Town.
Here, the cooling ocean breezes ensure optimal ripening, resulting in a wine that is richly layered with aromas of ripe peaches, pears, litchis, and melon, beautifully balanced with hints of citrus rind and white coriander spice.
This youthful yet luscious wine is characterised by its lingering acidity and a dense fruit core finish, offering complexity and texture that make it both generous and age-worthy.
In contrast, the Spier Good Natured Chenin Blanc 2023 showcases a commitment to organic farming practices, sourced from vineyards devoid of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers. Beneficial wildlife, including bees, bugs, and birds, contributes to natural pest control, while cover crops planted in winter enrich the soil.
This wine emerges as a delicate gold-hued gem, boasting an enticing bouquet of quince, citrus, and stone fruit. On the palate, it’s juicy and refreshing, featuring exotic notes of litchi and pineapple, culminating in a zesty finish that embodies the grape’s charm.
As the world celebrates Chenin Blanc Day, the #DrinkChenin movement shines a well-deserved light on this grape varietal. With Johan Jordaan at the forefront, Spier Winery exemplifies the passion, dedication, and innovation that the South African wine industry has to offer, paving the way for future generations to thrive.
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Picture: Supplied
