Chenin Blanc
AGEING GRACEFULLY
Realising the intrigue of old vines and the character they give to wines, the Chenin Blanc Association (CBA) has been scouting vineyards to find the oldest block of Chenin in South Africa.
"It is important to preserve such old blocks, and to give them the respect they deserve - for they may yield less, but the quality is outstanding," says CBA chairman Ken Forrester.
The search commenced in January 2009 and the oldest vines recorded were found to be around 60 years old, in a block dating back to 1942, which belongs to Mrs Anna Kirsten of Westrdige.
The second oldest block belongs to Stellenbosch producer Kaapzicht, and was planted in 1947. Wines made from these old vines will be bottled and sold at an auction in 2010 to raise funds for The Pebbles Project, which supports children with special needs.
