Spioenkop Johanna Brandt Chenin Blanc

Johanna Brandt, South African writer, promoter of Afrikaner nationalism and author of controversial writings on health, was heavily involved in the Second Boer War (1898-1902), working as a volunteer nurse and spy. Her great involvement in the formation of the South African Union has led Koen and Lore Roose, Belgian winemakers who are very committed to the Elgin Valley area, to dedicate their own Spioenkop Johanna Brandt Chenin Blanc wine to her.

The truth is that the couple who own this wine project, when they settled in this South African region in 2008, fell in love with the place, both for its landscape and for its unique enclave between the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Under the name Spioenkop, in honour of the battle that took place on the hill of the same name between the colonists and the British in 1900, they began growing vines with a European vision, giving the highest priority to the expression of the terroir.

This philosophy of minimal intervention results in wines like Spioenkop Johanna Brandt Chenin Blanc. This white wine is made with the Chenin Blanc variety from vineyards planted on steep slate terraces at an altitude of 200--270 metres above sea level. They are cultivated using respectful agriculture. When the grapes reach the winery, they are destemmed and crushed to spend 3-4 hours with their skins. After pressing, the must ferments in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature and finally the wine ages on its fine lees in used French oak barrels for 11 months.

A winery known all around the world for its commitment to the Elgin Valley and South African viticulture, the Spioenkop Johanna Brandt Chenin Blanc white wine stands out for its purity, delicacy and balance. A good example of what is happening among the new generation of winemakers in the Western Cape South Coast.