Opstal ‘Carl Everson’ Chenin Blanc 2020

Opstal Estate ‘Carl Everson’ Chenin Blanc 2020

Winemaking

The 2019 ripening and harvest season was a dry and healthy one which proved a challenge for spontaneous fermented wines. The yeast populations in the vineyard were smaller and available nutrients (food for yeast cells) also less. As a result, patience was key as alcoholic fermentation only finished after 2 months in the barrel where after the wine spent a further 8 months in those old French barrels (400 & 500L), before bottling in January 2020. An 8% skin fermented component was included in the final blend which adds great texture.

Tasting Notes

This vintage shows some restraint at first, but then opens up to show quince, peach and pineapple notes with a freshness and finesse ever present on the palate as yellow peach flavours run through your mouth. It has distinctive depth and complexity of fruit we’ve learned to appreciate and love.

Analysis

Alcohol: 13.5 %
Residual Sugar: 2.3 g/l
Total Acidity: 5.1 g/l
pH: 3.55
Wine of Origin: Breedekloof

Notes from the Winemaker

The beauty of this wine is even though it stays the same each year (as it’s harvested from the same Single Vineyard classified block on the farm), each year is different. The distinctive depth and complexity of fruit we’ve learned to appreciate and love of the Carl Everson Chenin, is on show again with the 2020. These precious 38 year old vines, old French barrels, spontaneous fermentation and minimalistic cellar intervention in the end proclaim our Slanghoek terroir through this wine.