2024 Roodekrantz Die Somerkind Old Vine Chenin Blanc

Winery

Roodekrantz focuses on small-scale production of terroir-driven wines from old South African vineyards. The emphasis is on balance, purity, and texture, with a keen eye for natural freshness and subtle oak influence. For the Somerkind Chenin Blanc, the house works with old bush vines from Darling, a region known for its cool sea breezes and slow ripening. Through the use of older French oak barrels, the character of the grape remains central. The Roodekrantz style revolves around elegance and drinkability with sufficient depth and structure. You can find more information under the Winery tab.

Origin and terroir

The grapes for the Roodekrantz Somerkind Chenin Blanc 2024 come from Groenekloof in Darling, a coastal region north of Cape Town. Thanks to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean, temperatures here remain more moderate than in many other South African wine regions. This cooling ensures a slower ripening process and the preservation of fresh acidity.

The old bush vines grow on weathered granite soils with a sandy structure. These poor soils limit yields and encourage concentration in the grapes. The combination of dry cultivation, cool ocean air, and old vines produces a Chenin Blanc with ripe yellow fruit, tension, and a remarkably soft texture.

Grapes and vineyard management

For this wine, exclusively 100% Chenin Blanc is used, sourced from dry-land old bush vines planted in 1985. The nearly forty-year-old vines produce low yields with great aromatic intensity and natural concentration.

The vineyards are managed without irrigation, allowing the roots to penetrate deep into the granite-rich subsoil. This enhances the terroir expression and gives the wine extra depth. The grapes were harvested by hand early in the morning at optimal ripeness. As a result, freshness, tension, and fruit purity are beautifully preserved despite the ripe character of the wine.

Vinification and aging

After the harvest, the grapes were carefully crushed and gently pressed. The juice was then given time to settle clear before fermentation took place in older French oak barrels. The use of older barrels imparts subtle spiciness and added structure without dominant woody notes.

The wine subsequently matured for fourteen months in old French oak barrels with full sur lie aging. This long aging on the fine lees gives the wine its creamy texture and soft mouthfeel. At the same time, the fresh acidity remains beautifully present, allowing the wine to retain tension and elegance. Total production was limited to just 2,400 bottles.

Color, smell and taste

The Somerkind Chenin Blanc displays a bright golden-yellow color with light straw-yellow nuances. On the nose, the ripe and sunny character is immediately noticeable, with aromas of papaya, sweet melon, and ripe peach. In the background, subtle notes of butter, soft wood spices, and lightly toasted accents appear.

The taste is rich and round with a soft, almost creamy texture. Ripe yellow stone fruit predominates, while fresh acidity provides balance and length. The subtle oak influence supports the fruit without becoming overpowering. Notes of quince, baked apple, and soft spices emerge on the finish. The wine combines ripeness and breadth with refinement and freshness.

With an alcohol content of 13.12%, a total acidity of 5.7 g/L, and a pH of 3.47, the wine retains sufficient tension to keep the ripe fruit beautifully balanced. The residual sugar content of 2.8 g/L remains subtle and primarily supports the round mouthfeel.

Style and character

This Chenin Blanc has a warmer and richer style than many classic examples, yet remains elegant and controlled. The wine combines sunny fruit and creamy texture with fresh acidity and subtle oak influences. This makes it versatile at the table.

The Somerkind Chenin Blanc pairs excellently with grilled yellowtail or sea bream with light curry butter, roasted chicken with apricot and spices, or pork chops with apple compote and quince. Mild seafood curries, Thai coconut dishes, and Cape Malay fish dishes also complement the wine's ripe fruit notes and smooth texture beautifully.

Volume

The 2024 vintage saw lower yields than initially expected. Good winter conditions initially ensured a promising start, but wet weather during bud break and a subsequent very dry, warm, and windy summer ultimately limited production.

Despite the smaller harvest, the quality of the grapes was exceptionally high. The combination of ripe fruit development and healthy acidity resulted in concentrated grapes with great aromatic expression. This is clearly evident in this wine in the rich fruit notes, the soft structure, and the long finish.

Pick up in Dordrecht?

If available, you will find the official factsheet and additional information about this fine wine in the 'Attachments' tab. We will automatically send these to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, situated almost next to the A16 with ample parking. Click here for our address.