TIerhoek - Tierhoek Straw Wine NV

100% Chenin Blanc, picked at normal ripeness then left to dry for 2-3 weeks on nets.
The dried bunches are then pressed and racked into old French oak barrels where
they can ferment for up to 6 months. The result is an unctuous wine of immense
concentrated flavours of dried apricots and honey. The sweetness is balanced by a
fresh natural fruit acidity leaving a clean finish on the palate. Will age for decades.

Winemakers Word:
Chenin Blanc is picked early then left to air dry on racks under an oak tree, for 2
weeks, to make this wine. The dried bunches are then pressed and fermented in old
French oak, and blended with straw wine from previous years that has been aged in
a solera system. The final blend is an immense concentration of marmalade and
marzipan on the nose, and fresh peach and tangerine, dried apricots and honey on
the palate, while the equally concentrated acidity cuts through the sweetness to
provide perfect balance. Great potential for ageing
This is a fantastic way to make sweet wine in a Mediterranean climate. The grapes
are selected from a Chenin block and are picked at the same ripeness level as the
table wine (23°-25°B) to preserve the primary fruit character and the acidity, both of
which are needed in a great sweet wine. The bunches are dried naturally for 2-3
weeks then pressed and racked into old French-oak barrels where the wine matures
for many years in a solera system. Acidity, sweetness and flavour are all
concentrated in this method of winemaking.

Viticulture:
These Chenin Blanc vines are all rooted on weathered sandstone. Irrigation
is only done during drought conditions and all farming methods are organic.