South Africa’s acreage of chenin blanc is no longer declining as fast as before. There is hope that they will keep what is left of this fantastic grape and focus on its quality potential. Chenin blanc probably came to South Africa as early as 1655 with Jan van Riebeeck. At first, however, they called it steen. It was not until 1963 that a professor at the University of Stellenbosch discovered that steen was, in fact, chenin blanc. Chenin’s status in South Africa has improved significantly in the last decade.
The oldest remaining chenin vines were planted in Stellenbosch between 1905 and 1920. Eben Sadie makes a wine called “Mev Kirsten”from these grapes. The second oldest vineyard was planted at the Kaapzicht Estate in Stellenbosch in 1947 by the current winemaker Danie Steytler’s great-grandfather. Danie makes a wine called “1947” from these old vines.
Initially, the vineyard was six hectares, but only one hectare remains. The rest Danie ripped up before he realised their value. The first Kaapzicht Wooded Chenin Blanc Reserve from the old vineyard was released in 2009. Unforunately, it did not sell very well, Danie told us.
What was wrong? The price!
He raised the price, and then it sold out quickly.
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