Description
About the estate
Zevenwacht Wine Estate, situated on the beautiful Stellenbosch Wine Route is a modern wine farm with a 300 year history. Owned and managed by the Johnson Family, the Estate has a strong commitment to historic and cultural preservation as well as conservation of the surrounding indigenous environment. Two prime farming locations provide the grapes for the Zevenwacht winery. The home vineyard on the Estate’s panoramic 450 hectare maritime influenced property, supplies the majority of the grapes. The farm Zevenrivieren, situated at the crest of the Helshoogte Pass, provides winemaker, Jacques Viljoen, with a boutique selection of grapes that add to the fascinating variety of the wines.
Wine style
Fragrant & Dry
When to enjoy
On its own or with a meal.
How to serve
Chilled.
Our meal suggestions
Delicious with full flavoured grilled fish, sumptuous lobster and avocado salad or chicken fillets dressed with a creamy basil sauce. Also a great partner to Thai food.
The wine itself
Ripe and exotic, a distinctive, spicy, perfumed wine that is rich and subtly oaked. Complex aromas of dried yellow fruits and spice with a refreshing lime and citrus finish.
What about the grapes?
This wine consists of 58% Chenin, 34% Chardonnay, 5% Viognier, & 3% Roussanne.
And the vineyards (terroir)?
The Chenin Blanc comes from low yielding old vines (37 years). All these vineyards are lying at altitudes that range from 300-500 meters above sea level; these higher elevated slopes tend to give the blending partners a beautiful natural acidity, resulting in a pleasant pungency. The richness and full-bodied fruit has been accentuated by the open canopies of the vineyards during ripening. All these flavours are backed with a flinty minerality from the decomposed granite soils of the Polkadraai Hills.
How was it made?
The grapes were harvested at 22 – 23.7ºBrix depending on varietal and site. After pressing, 100% of the juice was settled and racked to 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th fill 500l barrels. 4 months barrel ageing on the lees for a richer mouth feel and complexity without dominating the wine with oak – respecting the fruit. Extended post fermentation lees contact lends a mid-palate weight and a creamy texture.
Should this wine age/mature?
Barrel maturation gives the wine potential to develop over 3 – 5 years. 100% barrel fermented and matured for 4 months.
Technical facts:
- Grape Origin: Stellenbosch Polkadraai
- Wine Variety: Chenin, Chardonnay, Viognier & Roussanne
- Body: Medium
- Barrel Treatment: Wooded
- ALC: 14% | RS: 1.9g/l | Acid: 5.6g/l | PH: 3.31
