WINE INFORMATION

The Swartland (Dutch for Black Land) wine region stretches for 40 miles along the Western Cape of South Africa and is known for its production of Shiraz (Syrah), Chenin Blanc and Pinotage. Vines in this hot, arid region are grown in bush formation within the granite and schist terroir, and produce ripe and fruit-driven styles with concentrated flavors. A majority of the Chenin vineyards in the region are considered to be “old vines”, and produce deeply concentrated, rich and succulent wines.

Chenin Blanc, the classic white wine grape from Loire Valley, France is produced in both France and South Africa in a variety of styles from sparkling, to dry, to balanced and sweet dessert wines. In South Africa Chenin is referred to as Steen, and is considered to be a highly-valued cornerstone grape, with a reputation for sturdy vines, steady growth and heavy yields. Lately however, South African Chenin has seen a renaissance of sorts as vintners begin exploring the production of more nuanced wines with subtle characteristics that run alongside the rich, ripe flavors traditionally known to the region.

Kloof Street wines are produced by the Mullineux family, a young husband-and-wife team whose first vintage was in 2007. Winemaker Andrea Mullineux studied Viticulture and Oenology at UC-Davis and was named “Winemaker of the Year” by WIne Enthusiast in 2016, while husband Chris maintains the vineyards and explores growing expressive, terroir-driven wines.

The Kloof Street Chenin Blanc is sourced from three sustainably farmed vineyard parcels dispersed across the Swartland. The juice is fermented with wild yeasts to dryness in tank (85%) and French oak barrel (15%) before being blended and bottled.