<p>The 2019 vintage was quite a challenging one at Keermont. The yields were very small, but the wines have turned out beautifully. Coming off the back of four very dry years in the Cape, the vines were taking a bit of strain. Winter rainfall was just slightly below average. Spring started off cool and wet so the disease pressure was quite high. From that point onwards, the vintage conditions were good with some Summer rains and warm temperatures without any major heat spikes. Harvest started on 30 January, but was interrupted by 40mm of rain the following week. This pepped the vines up for the final ripening and grapes were harvested in a very healthy condition.</p> <p>Planted in 1971, Riverside Chenin Blanc is the oldest vineyard on the farm. Soils on the banks of the upper Blaauwklippen River, in which the vines are planted, vary from sandy alluvial plains with river stone to red clay loam as one moves away from the river. This patchy old vineyard, at an elevation of 250m, delivers very low yields of incredible quality fruit year in and year out. Like the old vines from which it is made, this wine has great complexity and character with quiet intensity.</p> <p>All grapes used in producing this wine are sourced from the Riverside vineyard on Keermont. Small parcels of<br /> grapes are selected according to optimal ripeness and harvested by hand.</p>

<p>Fermentation is carried out by yeast which occurs naturally on the grape skins. This wine was fermented and then spent a further 11 months maturing on the lees in seasoned French oak barrels (225L and 500L). Bottling was carried out by hand and only 2929 bottles and 53 magnums were produced.</p>

<p>Duck, roast chicken or seafood.</p>