Tip #33 – What does it mean to«Old Vine»?

Seal on wine labels

Young and crisp, old and over? Not so in the wine business. In wine marketing, «Vieilles Vignes, Old Vines or Old Vines» are booming.

From about 20 years onwards, the yield of the vines decreases significantly from year to year. In the past, they would have been pulled out and planted young. But today, winegrowers are increasingly focusing on tradition and class instead of mass.

Old Vine is considered quality, has denser flavours because the vines root deeper to access water and nutrients. Thus, they survive more easily in hot climates where there is little to almost no rain.

The Old Vine grapes show less fruit, but reflect the soil and terroir on which they were grown.

What can we tell you about the «Old Vine» from South Africa?

In 2002, the Old Vine Project began in South Africa with the search for old vines older than 35 years. This is the minimum age of the vines. Meanwhile, there are about 3700 hectares of Old Vine vines and 10 vineyards that are even more than 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 to enjoy.

SPIER

21 GABLES – Chenin Blanc – Screw Cap – 2019

5 Stars by Platter’s

Of a light pale gold hue with a lemon rim in the glass, the Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc exudes seductive aromas of dried apricots as well as a subtle hint of warm vanilla and fine oak. On the palate, immensely delicious flavours of white peaches and fine almond paste unfold, as well as a fine creaminess, paired with a well-balanced acidity.

Special Offer
SPIER
21 Gables – Chenin Blanc -Screw Cap – 2019
CHF 23.90 instead of CHF 29.00

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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 mark Cape Chenin on the world map. A full-bodied, powerful wine with a whole range of deliciously lush flavours – notes of dried apricots, fragrant vanilla and fine honey tantalise the senses and provide absolute pleasure.

Special Offer
KENFORRESTER
FMC – Chenin Blanc – Screw Cap – 2019
CHF 49.00 instead of CHF 59.00

To the offer

BOEKENHOUTSKLOOF

SEMILLON – 2018

96 Points by Tim Atkin

The nose reveals aromas of ripe mandarin, orange blossom, angelica and delicate hints of lemon curd with a light smoky note and a touch of gravel. The palate shows layered fruit with flavours of lemongrass, tangerine and a lively, tangy mouthfeel that is perfectly balanced and not overpowered by the oak spice, with nuances of fenugreek, tarragon and dill. The mid-palate is full, rich and complex, with attractive weight and a creamy, cedary character balanced by a lemony freshness, suggesting enormous ageing potential.

Killer Deal – from 6 Bottles
BOEKENHOUTSKLOOF
Semillon – 2018
CHF 24.00 instead of CHF 39.00

To the offer

De Morgenzon

Chenin Blanc Reserve – 2019

5 Stars by Platter’s

This eye-catching white wine displays exuberant aromas of white flowers, stone fruit, honey and toast, merging into opulent flavours 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

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David & Nadia

Hoe-Steen – Chenin Blanc – 2020

95 Points by James Suckling

The 2020 vintage exudes notes of beeswax and pollen with traces of dried lemon. It is broad and enveloping but not as creamy as in the past. A tapered, understated expression. Notes of blood orange, iron and stones. Very pure.

DAVID & NADIA
Hoe-Steen – Chenin Blanc – 2020
CHF 75.00

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darling cellars

Chenin Blanc – Old bush vine – 2020

4.5 Stars by Platter’s

This Chenin Blanc shows a beautiful straw yellow colour in the glass and a mineral freshness on the nose. It is a complex wine with undertones of orange peel and and yellow peach and a long lasting finish. The oak is subtle and well integrated into the fruit.

Special Offer
DARLING CELLARS
Chenin Blanc – Old Bush Vine – 2020
CHF 19.20 instead of CHF 24.00

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