Gabriëlskloof is pleased to introduce the Era René Chenin Blanc, the latest gem in their esteemed Landscape Series.
“We’ve been working on the Era René Chenin Blanc since 2016 – it is a 100% Botrivier Chenin, marking Gabriëlskloof’s first Chenin crafted exclusively from this terroir,” explains cellarmaster, Peter-Allan Finlayson. “The wine is named after our founder, Bernhard Heyns’ mother, who left us a legacy of true grit and unconditional love.”
The 2023 vintage, shaped by low yields and early ripening, showcases the wine’s exceptional concentration and freshness. With a bouquet of unripe tropical fruit, white flowers, green apple, and lemon pith, this wine offers a rich palate of ripe orchard fruit, gooseberries, lime, and flint. The finish is characterised by fresh acidity and the subtle texture of green pineapple skin.
The grapes for the Era René were sourced from two distinct vineyards on the estate. Half of the fruit comes from a vineyard originally planted with Semillon in 2004, which was grafted to Chenin Blanc in 2016. The remainder is harvested from a bushvine vineyard planted in 2018. This combination of vineyards contributes to the wine’s unique profile, reflecting the diversity of the Botrivier region.
Winemaking at Gabriëlskloof involves a meticulous approach to maintain the integrity and quality of the fruit. The grapes for the Era René Chenin Blanc were whole-bunch pressed, with approximately 30% of the wine fermented and aged in clay amphorae. The remaining portion was matured in seasoned 400L and 500L barrels, allowing the wine to develop complexity and depth over nine months on its lees before blending and bottling.
The Landscape Series is a collection of six wines that highlight the unique characteristics of Gabriëlskloof’s vineyards. The Era René Chenin Blanc is a testament to the estate’s dedication to showcasing the authentic flavours and elements that make their wines distinctive.
Website: www.gabrielskloof.co.za