The Chenin Blancs of Breedekloof Wine Valley
While Chenin Blanc originated in the Anjou area of the Loire, today it can be said to be South Africa’s grape. South Africa produces more of the grape than any other country and has double the plantings of France. Chenin Blanc is also the most widely planted (18 thousand hectares) variety in South Africa.
The Breede River Valley and especially its Breedekloof appellation have long been a centre of Chenin Blanc production. But until recently most of its special, old bush vine Chenin was sold in bulk or distilled. Now, many of Breedekloof’s growers are also making wine from their best parcels.
In 2016, the wineries of Breedekloof decided to recognize their Chenin Blanc heritage and formed a group called Breedekloof Makers, the members of which make a special Chenin Blanc from selected vineyard parcels in each vintage. The group has 12 members (soon to be 15) out of the total of 24 winegrowers in the region. We review some of their wines below.