A Vibrant Chenin Blanc from the High Vineyards of Piekenierskloof

The 2025 Piekenierskloof Chenin Blanc is a bright and expressive white wine from one of South Africa’s most unique high-altitude wine regions. Crafted from 100% Chenin Blanc grapes grown on dryland bush vines, this wine showcases the purity of fruit and refreshing minerality that make South African Chenin Blanc so popular worldwide.

With aromas of yellow peach, ripe pear and apricot, and a lively palate of juicy tropical fruit and subtle lime, this wine delivers freshness, elegance, and a beautifully lingering finish. It is a versatile white wine that works perfectly both as an aperitif and alongside food.

Wine Overview

Producer: Piekenierskloof Wine Company
Vintage: 2025
Country: South Africa
Region: Piekenierskloof
Grape Variety: 100% Chenin Blanc
Alcohol: 14%
Residual Sugar: 2.3 g/L
Total Acidity: 6.1 g/L
pH: 3.37

Serving Temperature: 10–12°C
Cellaring Potential: 3–6 years

Tasting Notes

Aromas

Fresh aromas of yellow peach, ripe pear, and apricot, complemented by subtle tropical fruit notes.

Palate

The palate is vibrant and juicy, showing flavours of tropical fruit with delicate hints of lime. A gentle mineral character adds structure and complexity.

Finish

Crisp, refreshing and lingering with bright acidity that keeps the wine lively and elegant.

Food Pairing

Piekenierskloof Chenin Blanc is an excellent food wine thanks to its fresh acidity and balanced fruit profile.

Perfect with:

• Shellfish and seafood dishes

• Fresh oysters

• Salads with light vinaigrette

• Vegetarian dishes with aubergine, leeks or peppers

• Asparagus with hollandaise sauce

• Goat’s milk cheese

It also works beautifully as a refreshing aperitif on a warm day.

Vineyard & Terroir – Piekenierskloof

The grapes for this wine come from dryland bush vine vineyards in the Piekenierskloof region, located in the Citrusdal Mountains about 50 km north of Swartland.

At 750 meters above sea level, the plateau enjoys warm sunny days and cool nights, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly while preserving natural acidity and developing complex fruit flavours.

The vineyards grow on sandy loam soils, and many of the ungrafted bush vines date back to the 1960s. These carefully farmed vines produce low yields of 5–8 tons per hectare, ensuring concentrated fruit and quality.

Winemaking

The grapes are hand-harvested early in the morning to preserve freshness and natural aromas.

After picking, the grapes receive 6 hours of skin contact before pressing. Only the free-run juice is used, ensuring purity and elegance in the final wine.

Fermentation begins naturally in stainless steel tanks until approximately 13° Balling, after which a selected yeast strain completes fermentation. The wine then rests on its lees for around six weeks, enhancing texture and complexity.

To add subtle structure, 15% of the wine is matured for four months in older 300-liter French oak barrels, while the rest remains in stainless steel to preserve freshness.

Why Choose Piekenierskloof Chenin Blanc?

• Made from high-altitude bush vine vineyards

• Classic South African Chenin Blanc freshness

• Balanced fruit, minerality, and elegant acidity

• Partial oak maturation for added complexity

• Perfect for seafood, vegetarian dishes, and summer drinking

FAQ – Piekenierskloof Chenin Blanc