Chenin Blanc is both the oldest and highest-elevation vineyard at Noble Hill. Natural fermentation in large-format concrete vessels yields delicate citrus aromas underlined by granite minerality.
-
South Africa Simonsberg Simonsberg-Paarl
-
98%
Chenin Blanc
2% Viognier
Alcohol
13.5%
Certified sustainable
Harvest time
Early February
Natural wine
Oak
No oak contact
Organic in conversion
Production
1,300 cases
Residual sugar
1.6
Soil
Granite
Vegan
Vineyard aspect
Northwest
Vineyard elevation
350m
Vineyard planted
1987, 2016
Vineyard size
4
Vineyard yield
6
Award
4 stars, Platter's South African Wine Guide (2020 vintage)
Noble Hill's old vine Chenin Blanc, planted without irrigation in a hidden crook overlooking the valley, grows with quiet strength and minimal intervention. In 2016 Noble Hill decided to invigorate their estate Chenin Blanc and established a new vineyard in deep decomposed granite soils high on the slopes of the Simonsberg. Grapes from these two sites balance each other and give the wine depth and complexity.
Noble Hill uses unique large-format concrete vessels to ferment and mature their Chenin Blanc. These concrete vessels allow the wine to develop nuance and complexity without imparting oak flavour. The wine is fermented with wild yeast populations, and left on the fine lees for 9 months with regular stirring to develop fullness and depth. The name "Sur Lie" refers to this extended lees ageing.
This Chenin Blanc opens with aromas of fresh lime blossom, honeydew melon, and green apple. The aromas are balanced by delicate mineral flavours derived from the rocky slopes of the Simonsberg mountains where the wine is grown.