CHENIN BLANC 2021 — Frequently Asked Questions

———————————————
1. What is Naudé Chenin Blanc 2021?
———————————————

Naudé Chenin Blanc 2021 is a premium single-varietal white wine from Naudé Wines, made from 100% Chenin Blanc grown on a single vineyard block in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. It's bone dry, 11.5% alcohol, and scored 97 points from Master of Wine Greg Sherwood, alongside 4.5 stars in Platter's Wine Guide 2024 and 93 points from critic Neal Martin.

——————————————————————————
2. Where are the grapes for Naudé Chenin Blanc 2021 grown?
——————————————————————————

The fruit comes from a premium Chenin Blanc block in Stellenbosch, planted on duplex soil — a sandy surface layer over a sub-soil of rich red clay and shale rock. This soil profile is a major contributor to the wine's minerality and structured palate.

—————————————————————
3. What does Naudé Chenin Blanc 2021 taste like?
—————————————————————

Expect vibrant yellow and white peach on the nose, joined by quince, green apple and pear, with subtle dried herbs underneath. The palate is precise and crystalline, driven by bright acidity and a distinct wet-stone minerality that carries through a long, structured finish.

——————————————————————————
4. Why does Naudé Chenin Blanc 2021 have such a mineral, wet-stone character?
——————————————————————————

The wine's minerality comes directly from its duplex soil — sandy topsoil over red clay and shale rock — combined with minimal-intervention winemaking that leaves the vineyard's character intact. Nothing about the mineral note is added in the cellar; it's a direct expression of where the vines are rooted.

————————————
5. Is it dry, and can it age?
————————————

Yes to both. At 1.2 g/L residual sugar it's fully dry, and with 6.1 g/L acidity, a pH of 3.28 and low 11.5% alcohol, it has the structure to age gracefully for 15–20 years — while already drinking beautifully on release.

——————————————————————————
6. How does it compare to other Chenin Blancs or Sauvignon Blanc?
——————————————————————————

Compared to riper, fruit-forward Chenin Blanc styles, Naudé's 2021 is leaner, more mineral-driven and built for the cellar rather than early drinking. Against Sauvignon Blanc, it offers similar freshness and acid drive, but with more textural depth and complexity from barrel fermentation and lees ageing. If you enjoy Sauvignon Blanc's zip but want more weight and ageing potential, this is a natural step up.

——————————————
7. What food pairs well with it?
——————————————

Its stone fruit, acidity and minerality make it a versatile match for roast or grilled chicken and pork, rich seafood such as grilled prawns and langoustine, soft and semi-hard cheeses, and lightly spiced Asian-inspired dishes.

————————————————————
8. How is Naudé Chenin Blanc 2021 produced?
————————————————————

Naudé Chenin Blanc 2021 is made with the same minimal-intervention philosophy that defines all Naudé Wines. The grapes are whole-bunch pressed — a gentle technique that yields clean, pure juice without harsh tannins. Rather than using commercial yeast, the juice is left to ferment naturally in older oak barrels, allowing wild yeasts to drive a slower, more complex fermentation that reflects the vineyard rather than a formula.

After fermentation, the wine rests on its lees for extended maturation, building texture and length. Beyond a small addition of sulphites for stability, nothing else is added — no fining agents, no flavour enhancers, no corrections. Just fruit, time and restraint.

——————————
9. Where can I buy it?
——————————

Naudé Chenin Blanc 2021 is available directly from our online shop at R425 per bottle, with international shipping available on request.