Tembela Chenin Blanc 2024

From the boutique Tembela label—meaning "faith, hope, belief" in isiXhosa and a tribute to winemaker Banele Vakele’s late mother—this 2024 Chenin Blanc is sourced from 40‑year‑old dryland bush vines planted on decomposed granite soils at Geluksoord Vineyard, near the Bottelary ward of Stellenbosch In its fifth release, Tembela continues to build a reputation for elegance and character.

Vinification & Elevage:

100% whole-bunch pressed, racked overnight

Fermented naturally in older 500 L oak barrels

Aged on lees for 10 months, then gently sheet-filtered; unfined, with minimal sulphur

Tasting Notes:

Appearance: Pale straw with brilliant clarity.

Nose: Honeysuckle, quince, yellow peach, dried pineapple, white florals, and a touch of leesy nutmeg.

Palate: Silky texture with crunchy citrus, orchard fruit, fresh melon, and a structured savory finish that’s pithy yet poised.

Finish: Long, saline-tinged, and refreshingly textured.

Food Pairing: Perfect with creamy cheeses (e.g., aged Cheddar or Gruyère), oyster roasts, light curry, grilled seafood, or a nutty risotto; the wine’s texture and freshness make it superb as an aperitif.

Serving Suggestions: Serve chilled at 10–12 °C. Ideal lightly chilled to showcase its vibrant fruit, creamy lees complexity, and saline restraint.

Accolades:

Christian Eedes (Winemag.co.za): 94/100 — “a striking rendition… layers of flavour – think dried pineapple, white florals and peaches… texture and savoury nuances on the finish”

Tim Atkin MW: 93/100 — “leesy, savoury and mineral… kelp, lemongrass and yellow apple flavours and a pithy, refreshing finish”

Technical Details:

Grape: 100% Chenin Blanc (ca. 40‑year-old bush vines)

Soil: Decomposed granite

Alcohol: 13,5% ABV

Bottle Size: 750ml

pH: approx. 3.5; Total Acidity: 5.4 g/L; SO₂: 39 ppm

Production: Extremely limited—approx. 320 cases