Kleine Zalze Project Z Chenin Blanc 2021

Voluptuous, statuesque, stylish, with ripe stone fruit richness superbly poised on an acid and mineral backbone. Pear, peach, apple plus some yeasty complexity on the nose. The palate shows impressive purity yet richness and bright acidity with a slightly savoury finish.


variety : Chenin Blanc [ 100% Chenin Blanc ]
winemaker : RJ Botha
wine of origin : Stellenbosch
analysis : alc : 12.5 % vol  rs : 3.49 g/l  pH : 3.49  ta : 6.6 g/l  
type : White  
pack : Bottle  size : 750ml  closure : Cork  

AWARDS
2023 Global Chenin Blanc Masters - Gold
2023 Tim Atkin SA Special Report - 93 Points
2023 Decanter Awards - Bronze
 

The “project” originated back in 2013 from discussion between owner, Kobus Basson and the winemaking team. From their discussions, the “project” grew and today the cornerstones of the Project Z wines are a selection of vineyards on extraordinary sites and an impressive collection of Italian amphorae that were steadily acquired since 2015. And of course, a dedicated, committed, and skillful team.

in the vineyard : The grapes for this Project Z Chenin Blanc were sourced from a vineyard over four decades old in the Firgrove region of Stellenbosch. Growing on clay and decomposed granite and subjected to the maritime airflow off the Atlantic Ocean at False Bay, the vineyard was selected for its ability to grow grapes offering a superior expression of the site’s unique geography.

in the cellar : The grapes were left on the skins overnight (12 hours) and then fermented in Italian clay amphorae. After fermentation the wine was left in the amphorae on the lees for a further 9 months. The wine captures the essence of this inimitable Stellenbosch old vineyard in a very powerful way.

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