Decanter selects L’Avenir Single Block as a leading old vine Chenin Blanc
The L’Avenir Single Block Chenin Blanc 2019 was listed as one of South Africa’s top old-vineyard Chenin Blancs, with a rating 93 in Decanter Magazine.
In an article by Christian Eedes in the June issue of Decanter, Chenin Blanc was described as “arguably South Africa’s greatest vinous asset”, and the region’s top old vine Chenin Blancs were rated. L’Avenir’s Single Block Chenin Blanc is produced from a vineyard planted in 1971, which is affectionately known as the estate’s Grand Dame.
The vineyard is certified as a Heritage Vineyard through South Africa’s Old Vine Project, which specifically aims to protect the Cape’s old vineyards. Through a collaborative project between the Old Vine Project and Interloire, the genetic material of L’Avenir’s Single Block Chenin Blanc vineyard was isolated in 2020 and will be propagated for commercial use in 2025.
“The Grand Dame is just a phenomenal vineyard. This was specifically noticeable when we recently had a dry spell of four consecutive dry harvests in Stellenbosch. Even though she has never been irrigated, her extensive root systems meant that this vineyard was buffered and was in a healthier condition than many younger vineyards,” explains L’Avenir winemaker, Dirk Coetzee.
The wine’s generous aromas of white peach and pineapple, as well as its rich palate were highlighted in Decanter’s tasting notes. “The wine shows the generous fruit intensity of Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc. We only use older, large French barrels and produce the wine with minimal intervention. Environmental sustainability is also a top priority. Soil health is essential to nurture old vines and this played a big role in the fact that L’Avenir has started its conversion to organic production,” explains Dirk.
The L’Avenir Single Block Chenin Block 2019 was a barrel selection from this certified heritage vineyard. Only 3 000 individually numbered bottles were produced, which are available on allocation.
About L’Avenir Wine Estate
L’Avenir is a leading Stellenbosch boutique winery that specialises in South Africa’s emblematic varietals: Pinotage and Chenin Blanc. Situated four kilometres from Stellenbosch on the lower slopes of Simonsberg Mountain, the Estate is right in the heart of South Africa’s most revered wine region.
For more information contact Dr Edo Heyns – Advini South Africa Strategic Development Director: Edo.heyns@advinisa.co.za
