Paulus Wine Co. Bosberaad Swartland Chenin Blanc 2023

Paulus Wine Co. Bosberaad Swartland Chenin Blanc

Region: Swartland, Costal Region, South Africa

Vintage: 2023

Bottle size: 75cl

Grape: Chenin Blanc

ABV: 13.5%

Bright aromas of honeysuckle, white stone fruit, and lemon peel on the nose. The palate is delicate yet powerful, with a waxy texture and bright acidity delivering notes of apple skin, papaya, and quince. The finish is layered and complex.

The grapes are sourced from the heart of the Siebritskloof Valley in the Paardeberg, on the southern border of the Swartland. The vineyard is owned by their good friend and third generation grower, Franziska Wickens of Waterval Farm. The old. dryland bush vines were planted in 1980 and produce low yields of intensely concentrated fruit. Located on an east-facing ridge, the site benefits from afternoon shade, tempering the region’s warm climate. The site’s decomposed granite soils also result in excellent balance and freshness. The vines are farmed organically, without certification.

A minimalistic appraoch is taken in the cellar to ensure pure expression. The Chenin Blanc grapes were hand picked and whole bunch pressed into old oak barrels and one concrete egg. Indigenous yeast fermentation occurred and the wine was left to settle before it was aged on its lees for 10-12 months then racked and bottled. No fining or filtration occured, with minimal sulphur additions.

Founded in 2018, Paulus Wine Co. have quickly cemented themselves as rising stars in South African wine, with Neal Martin describing their 2019 vintage of ‘Bosberaad’ as “one of the best Chenin Blanc wines that I have tasted in a long time”. Founders Paul Jordaan and Pauline Roux each have a remarkable CV, Paul having been Sadie Family Wines’ winemaker for the last 12 years, and Pauline working vintages at Domaine Drouhin (Oregon), Brokenwood (Hunter Valley), Mullineux and AA Badenhorst (Swartland). Paulus Wine Co. reflects their shared passion for the Swartland, organic viticulture, low-intervention winemaking and site-specific Chenin Blanc.