The Tea Leaf Chenin Blanc

A naturally fermented old bush vine brew . ‘Tea Leaf’ hails from the uniqueness of the vineyards where the grapes from these wines grow; amongst South Africa’s native rooibos (red tea) plants that grow wild amongst vines, protected from removal and yet to be successfully cultivated anywhere else in the world.

Old Vine Project certified blocks of Paarl Chenin planted in 1977, Franschhoek Crouchen Blanc planted in 1976 and Piekenierskloof Palomino planted in 1977 make up this bush vine brew. In all these blocks the indigenous rooibos tea plant grows wild. Grapes are harvested in the early hours and then a further selection is made by hand at the winery to select the best fruit. The wine is naturally fermented for 9 months in 600 litre French oak barrels. Finally, the wine is coarse filtered and bottled.

On the nose there are notes of ripe peach, salted butter and macadamia. The palate has firm, high-key fruit, a gentle, sandy texture true to the vineyard soil and persistence. Ultimately this is a deeply satisfying wine made from a blend of high quality bush vine fruit.