Tip #33 – What does «Old Vine» mean?
Seal on wine labels
Young and crisp, old and past it? Not in the wine business. "Vieilles Vignes, Alte Reben or Old Vines" are booming in wine marketing.
From about 20 years old, the yield of grapevines decreases significantly from year to year. Previously, they would have been pulled out and replaced with young vines. But today, winemakers are increasingly focusing on tradition and quality instead of quantity.
Old Vine is considered a quality mark, possessing denser aromas as the vines root deeper to access water and nutrients. This allows them to survive more easily in hot climates with little to no rain.
Old Vine grapes show less fruit but reflect the soil and terroir in which they grew.
What can we tell you about "Old Vine" from South Africa?
In 2002, the Old Vine Project in South Africa began searching for old vineyards that were more than 35 years old. This is the minimum age for the vines. Meanwhile, there are approximately 3700 hectares of Old Vine vines and 10 vineyards that are even over 100 years old. Almost 2000 hectares are planted with Chenin Blanc, the most widely cultivated variety in South Africa.
Below you will find a selection of our South African wines for your enjoyment.
SPIER
21 GABLES – Chenin Blanc – Screw Cap – 2019
5 Stars by Platter’s
With a bright pale gold hue and a lemon-colored rim in the glass, the Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc exudes seductive aromas of dried apricots and a subtle hint of warm vanilla and fine oak. On the palate, incredibly delicious flavors of white peaches and delicate almond paste unfold, along with a fine creaminess, paired with a well-balanced acidity.
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SPIER
21 Gables – Chenin Blanc -Screw Cap – 2019
CHF 23.90 instead of CHF 29.00
Ken Forrester
FMC – Chenin Blanc – Screw Cap – 2019
4.5 Stars by Platter’s
An icon among the best South African Chenin Blancs – a wine that changes the world. The Ken Forrester FMC Chenin Blanc was designed to indelibly place Cape Chenins on the world map. A full-bodied, powerful wine with a whole palette of deliciously lush flavor nuances – notes of dried apricots, fragrant vanilla, and fine honey delight the senses here and provide absolute indulgence.
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KENFORRESTER
FMC – Chenin Blanc – Screw Cap – 2019
CHF 49.00 instead of CHF 59.00
BOEKENHOUTSKLOOF
SEMILLON – 2018
96 Points by Tim Atkin
The nose reveals aromas of ripe mandarins, orange blossoms, angelica, and delicate hints of lemon curd with a slightly smoky note and a touch of gravel. On the palate, a complex fruit with aromas of lemongrass, mandarin, and a lively, zesty mouthfeel unfolds, perfectly balanced and not overpowered by the oak spice, with nuances of fenugreek, tarragon, and dill. The mid-palate is full, rich, and very complex, with attractive weight and a creamy, cedar-like character balanced by a lemony freshness, suggesting enormous aging potential.
Killer Deal – from 6 bottles
BOEKENHOUTSKLOOF
Semillon – 2018
CHF 24.00 instead of CHF 39.00
De Morgenzon
Chenin Blanc Reserve – 2019
5 Stars by Platter’s
This striking white wine displays exuberant aromas of white flowers, stone fruit, honey, and toast, transitioning into opulent flavors of pear, orange blossom, caramel, and spice. It is a world-class wine that offers a brilliant balance between lush fruit and crisp, delicious acidity.
Killer Deal – from 6 bottles
DE MORGENZON
Chenin Blanc Reserve – 2019
CHF 29.90 instead of CHF 39.00
David & Nadia
Hoe-Steen – Chenin Blanc – 2020
95 Points by James Suckling
The 2020 vintage exudes notes of beeswax and pollen with hints of dried lemon. It is broad and enveloping, yet not as creamy as in the past. A tapering, restrained expression. Notes of blood orange, iron, and stones. Very pure.
DAVID & NADIA
Hoe-Steen – Chenin Blanc – 2020
CHF 75.00
darling cellars
Chenin Blanc – Old bush vine – 2020
4.5 Stars by Platter’s
This Chenin Blanc shows a beautiful straw yellow color in the glass and a mineral freshness on the nose. It is a complex wine with undertones of orange peel and yellow peach and a long-lasting finish. The oak is subtle and well integrated into the fruit.
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DARLING CELLARS
Chenin Blanc – Old Bush Vine – 2020
CHF 19.20 instead of CHF 24.00
All prices in CHF incl. VAT. Daily price from 08.03.2022.
Offers valid while stocks last. Errors and price changes reserved.
