Slanghoek Crème de Chenin 2023

Slanghoek Cellar is a co-operative winery established in 1951 in the fertile Slanghoek Valley, tucked between mountain ranges in the Breede River Valley. The region’s combination of warm days, cool nights and well-drained soils gives Chenin Blanc grapes the ability to develop rich, ripe flavours alongside natural acidity - ideal conditions for a dessert-style Chenin.

Crème de Chenin is Slanghoek’s sweet white expression, made by allowing selected Chenin Blanc grapes to hang longer on the vine (or partially raisin) before pressing, concentrating sugars and fruit intensities. A proportion of Muscat d’Alexandria adds aromatic lift. The winemaking emphasises purity of fruit and balance, aiming for a luscious yet fresh dessert wine that reflects its South African terroir without undue oak influence.

Colour:
Deep golden straw, rich and luminous in the glass - a sign of concentrated fruit.

Nose:
Intense aromas of ripe pear, peach and apricot are complemented by honey and a touch of floral Muscat perfume, with hints of candied citrus peel and soft vanilla sweetness emerging with air.

Palate:
Sweet and layered, with orchard fruit flavours at the core - peach, apricot and baked pear - supported by bright acidity that keeps the sweetness buoyant rather than cloying. The Muscat component adds perfumed spice and lift, rounding out the plush texture.

Finish:
Long, lingering and fruit-driven, with lingering honeyed notes and a refreshing citrus acidity that gently balances the sweetness.