Ladybird Sur Lie Chenin Blanc (Organic)

Country: South Africa   Region: Simonsberg, Stellenbosch 

Varietal: Chenin Blanc Vintage: 2022

Colour: White Style: Dry

Producer: Ladybird Vineyards

Wine Maker: Francois van Zyl

Description:
This wine is made from older organically farmed vineyards, planted in some of the best terroir in Stellenbosch. Complete out-of-the-box winemaking together with low yields help us to make this wine that can compete with a 50- year-plus vineyard. It is all about getting the balance right. We pick everything by hand in the early mornings if possible. We have 4 blocks of Chenin on 4 different areas on the farm. Each block is unique and ripens at different times over a 3- week period. The grapes are naturally fermented in open-top tanks, with extended skin contact during fermentation. No enzymes, yeast nutrients, or
fining agents are added.

Vintage:
In what must go down as one of the best white wine vintages in South- Africa this 2021 wine is a perfect example of great Simonsberg – Stellenbosch terroir. The late start to the 2021 harvest was one of the distinguishing hallmarks of this vintage. The cooler growing conditions of the 2021 vintage produced elegant wines that will make them accessible and drinkable from an earlier age.

Tasting Note:
Pale straw colour with notes of white nectarine, pineapple, yellow apple, and dried herbs. 14 months on the gross lees adds additional complexity of brioche and creamy texture. The palate is rich, with a lovely balance of lingering lemon and lime peel, and a structure that supports ageing. It begs to be opened, but this wine will age.

Food Matches:
Fish / Asian  / Spicy / Pasta