Thorne & Daughters, `Cat's Cradle` Swartland Chenin Blanc, South Africa, 2021

This is a very pure and vibrant expression of Chenin Blanc. Aromas of lemon balm, apple blossom, and honey. The palate is richly textured, and lifted by bright acidity and a wet stone freshness with a long, elegant finish.

The Chenin Blanc grapes for the ‘Cat's Cradle’ are sourced from a single vineyard planted in 1979 in the ‘Langkloof’ (Long Valley) on Swartland’s Paardeberg mountain. These old bush vines produce very small yields of intensely concentrated berries. The site is situated on an easterly slope at 240m altitude on decomposed granite soils, resulting in a signature freshness. The vineyard is farmed sustainably.

The winemaking for the `Cat's Cradle` is simple and minimalistic, in order to express the unique character of this vineyard. The grapes were whole bunch pressed in an old basket press, without any addition of sulphur at this stage. The wines undergo a natural alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in used oak barrels, resulting in supple texture while retaining the wine’s core aromatics.

Country: South Africa 

Region: Swartland

Vintage: 2021

Grape Variety: Chenin Blanc 

ABV: 12%

Size: 750ml 

Producer: Thorne & Daughters