Ellaki Chenin Blanc 2026

Description

Bottling date  21st April 2026
Production  1,850 bottles
Region  Swartland

Technical Details at Bottling
Alcohol  12.%
Residual Sugar  1.3%
Total Acidity  7.34
pH  3.21

Winemaking
Grapes were hand picked on the 2^nd Feb 2026, 10 days earlier than 2025. They arrived in Johannesburg 24 hours later via a cold truck (5 degrees Celsius). The grapes were hand sorted, crushed and de-stemmed into our basket press. Approximately 20% whole bunches were used.

The stainless steel tanks were inoculated immediately. Within 10 days alcoholic fermentation was complete. In order to preserve freshness secondary/malo-lactic fermentation was prevented. The wine was racked and then bottled in April 2026.

Wonderful crisp, with green apples and pears up front, balanced by good weight from slow production methods.

Tasting Notes
A crisp, steady, medium palate with notes of green apples, pears and hints of cut grass. This vintage was picked earlier than last year to capture fresher characteristics. This is a fresh fruit-forward wine made for early drinking.

Drink now or within 3 years of vintage. Perfect as an aperitif or with a tasty starter, amazing with a sharp cheese! This is incredible with a parmesan style cheese, or other cheese based meals.

Vintage
A lovely, comparatively cool first half of this vintage created a slow initial period. Hot temperatures in January promoted good phenolic ripeness and typical fresh Swartland fruit characters when picked correctly, defiantly a strong vintage!

Vineyard
This Chenin blanc is from Jakkalsfontein, in the Swartland.  It is on a very gentle slope with a slight north facing aspect. Planted in 2004. Soils are mainly ‘Oakleaf’ with high gravel content, medium to high potential. Richter 99 rootstock. Yield is approximately 7 tons/Ha.