Cape D'Or Chenin Blanc 2022

The 2022 Cape D’Or Chenin Blanc opens with aromas of straw-honey, bruised white peach and a whisper of lanolin — classic Chenin signatures. On the palate it delivers taut, linear acidity balanced by chalky minerality and a sleek texture from the sandstone-influenced soils. Flavours of green apple, grapefruit rind and soft pear are layered over subtle floral notes, while the finish reveals a gentle saline edge and lingering citrus pith. This is a wine with clarity and depth — elegantly dry, with expressive varietal character and a clean, persistent finish. It offers immediate charm but also the structural precision to evolve gracefully over time.

This Chenin Blanc is beautifully suited to dishes that mirror its brightness and mineral lift: oyster-and-cucumber crudo, grilled sea bass with lemon-thyme butter, creamy goat-cheese tartlets with fennel fronds, roasted chicken breast with citrus-herb jus, avocado-mango salad with lime vinaigrette, tempura prawns with ginger-soy dipping sauce, or almond-madeleines served with a fresh berry compote. Each pairing complements the wine’s crystalline acidity and expressive fruit — inviting you to experience the vibrant side of South African Chenin.

The Cape D’Or Chenin Blanc 2022 is born from the sun-drenched vineyards of South Africa’s Western Cape, a region that has become synonymous with world-class Chenin Blanc. Here, rolling hills and cool coastal breezes meet fertile soils of clay, sandstone, and decomposed granite, creating an environment where grapes ripen slowly and develop exceptional aromatic depth. The Western Cape’s Mediterranean climate — marked by long, dry summers and refreshing Atlantic winds — provides the balance between fruit richness and natural acidity that defines South African whites.

The region’s winemaking heritage dates back to the 1650s, when Dutch settlers under Jan van Riebeeck established the first Cape vineyards. A few decades later, French Huguenot immigrants brought their viticultural expertise, introducing Chenin Blanc (locally called “Steen”), which quickly adapted to the Cape’s diverse microclimates. Over time, it became the most widely planted grape in the country, earning a reputation as South Africa’s signature white varietal.

Cape D’Or Wines, based in the Breede River Valley within the Western Cape, was founded on a philosophy of organic and sustainable farming. The winery’s vineyards are certified organic, meaning no chemical pesticides or fertilizers are used — instead, the focus lies on soil health, biodiversity, and natural balance. The name Cape D’Or translates to “Cape of Gold,” symbolizing both the golden hue of the region’s sunlight and the brilliance of its wines.

The 2022 vintage benefited from steady, moderate conditions — neither extreme heat nor drought — allowing even ripening and retention of acidity. With meticulous hand-harvesting and gentle vinification, Cape D’Or crafts a Chenin Blanc that captures the Western Cape’s dual identity: the warmth and generosity of its landscape balanced by the cool elegance imparted by oceanic influence. The result is a wine that speaks clearly of place, history, and harmony with nature.