2021 Spier Estate Chenin Blanc Chardonnay Discover Spier

The roots of the house Spier go back to the early years of the colony on the Cape, in 1692. In that year the original farm in Stellenbosch was founded by the German settler Arnout Janz. He was also the one who realized that the soil was very suitable for viticulture, and planted the first vines. The first grapes were pressed, and the old cellar, built in 1767, is one of the Cape's oldest wineries, and is still the proud property of the estate.

But a lot has changed since the very beginning. Today, Spier is one of South Africa's most innovative wineries, with a cellar that has been completely modernized and expanded in recent years to fulfill its grand ambitions here. And in the same light, we must see the expansion of the vineyard area by 100 hectares to a total of 400 hectares, with production increasing by 100,000 boxes, more than a million bottles. In order to realize the total production, grapes are also bought from other producers, but all under the full control of Spier's large team of experienced and talented winemakers, led by the chief winemaker, Frans Smit. The winemakers all over the world have learned and completed internships, in order to be able to make high quality wines with their experiences.

But of course history has not been forgotten, and Spier still makes wines that are an expression of its own identity, wines of the highest quality. Frans Smit wants to make wines with depth, but also with an emphasis on the fruit. By making different series, the different types of wine lovers can enjoy the wines of this company. The wines under the 'Discovery' and 'Colours' label are for the wine drinkers who like to drink a smooth wine, with a lot of emphasis on the fruit. The terroir is emphasized in the wines in the Private Collection. Millions of dollars have been invested in the winery in recent years to release it and fully adapt it to the demands of modern winemaking. The air-conditioned cellars contain 4500 barrels for the maturation of the wines.

The wines under the 'Discover' label are for the wine drinkers who like to drink a smooth wine, with a lot of emphasis on the fruit. This is made from a combination of chenin blanc with chardonnay. The Chenin Blanc grape is still an important grape for South African wines. The strength of this grape is that it can withstand the heat well, also more inland. This is partly due to the planting in the form of bushes, the 'bush vines', which provide the grapes with good shade. Chardonnay is more often planted on wires, partly because maintenance can then be mechanized more. The vines are between 13 and 20 years old and are planted on poor soils, for example on a mix of old river boulders and clay. The grapes are vinified separately block by block, so that only the best cuves can be used for the final wine, which is therefore of good quality. Two months on the lie give him a nice filling and extra depth. Delicious Cape white, a combination of fruit and strength.

In the glass, this white Spier has a light yellow color with a green hint. In the nose white fruit, pear and citrus, hint of anise, melon, apple, a touch of grassiness. In the mouth the wine is aromatic with good acidity, open, tight taste, wonderfully fresh, minerally, guava, nice and juicy, good acidity. The wine is an excellent aperitif and a good accompaniment to chicken dishes, salads, with fresh tomatoes and feta, pasta dishes with turkey, soft cheeses.