Old Vine Steen op Hout Chenin Blanc - Mulderbosch

The Old Vine Steen op Hout Chenin Blanc - Mulderbosch flows into the glass in a radiant pale gold, streaked with fine silver reflections. On the nose, an intense citrus play unfolds with ripe lemon, grapefruit peel, and candied lime. Behind this are yellow apple, quince, and a hint of white peach, elegantly interwoven with delicate notes of vanilla, roasted almonds, and a touch of brioche from the barrel aging.

On the palate, the wine shows clear contours and precise, vibrant acidity that carries the citrus fruit impressively. The dry taste appears straightforward yet creamy in texture, thanks to aging on the fine lees. A delicate wood spice with hints of toast, cedarwood, and a touch of smoke accompanies the fruit and gives the wine depth. The tannins from the wood step in very gently, providing structure and shaping a long, minerally seeming finish with notes of lemon zest and roasted nuts.

In style, the Old Vine Steen op Hout Chenin Blanc - Mulderbosch displays an impressive balance of elegance, richness, and tension. The acidity comes across as fresh but never aggressive, the fruit is precise, the texture silky. Old Chenin Blanc vines from the Coastal Region in South Africa, specifically from Stellenbosch, define the concentration and complexity of this white wine. The typical varietal aromatics of Chenin Blanc are presented here in a modern, wood-influenced interpretation with a clear sense of origin.

• Color: pale gold with silvery reflections
• Nose: lemon, lime, yellow apple, quince, white blossoms, vanilla, roasted almonds
• Palate: dry, vibrant acidity, creamy texture, delicate oak spice
• Structure: medium to full body, long citrus-fresh finish
• Grape variety: 100% Chenin Blanc
• Origin: Coastal Region, subregion Stellenbosch, South Africa
• Alcohol content: 13.5% vol.

1. Intense citrus aromas with a focus on lemon
2. Elegant interplay of fruit, oak, and minerality
3. Characterful expression of old Chenin Blanc vines
4. Vinified dry, versatile with spicy-piquant dishes

Production of the Old Vine Steen op Hout Chenin Blanc

The grapes for the Old Vine Steen op Hout Chenin Blanc - Mulderbosch come from selected parcels in the Coastal Region, with a focus on the slopes around Stellenbosch. The Mediterranean-influenced climate with warm days and cooler nights promotes even ripening and concentrated aromas. Cooling sea breezes from the Atlantic and False Bay lend additional freshness and clarity to the profile. The soils consist predominantly of weathered granite and schist, interspersed with sandy and loamy components, enabling the vines to develop deep root systems and a characterful minerality.

Old Chenin Blanc vines, often referred to as “Steen”, produce small, highly concentrated berries. Harvesting is done selectively by hand, parcel by parcel, with strict selection directly in the vineyard. Only fully ripe, aromatically dense grapes make it to the winery. Gentle pneumatic pressing preserves the clarity of the fruit and avoids harsh tannins.

Fermentation takes place under temperature control, partly in stainless steel tanks and partly in wooden barrels, in order to harmoniously combine freshness and structure. A portion of the wine matures in carefully selected barriques and large wooden casks, which bring fine toasted and vanilla notes without overpowering the fruit. Regular stirring of the lees adds additional creaminess and depth. After extended maturation on the lees, the wine presents itself with remarkable complexity, density, and tension.

The Mulderbosch house style stands for clear varietal typicity, precise work in the vineyard, and a modern, detail-focused cellar philosophy. Every step, from grape selection to barrel maturation, aims at a Chenin Blanc with a strong sense of origin, firm structure, and fine oak integration. In this way, a white wine is created that unites the tradition of old vines with contemporary drinkability and elegance.

Enjoyment recommendations for the Old Vine Steen op Hout Chenin Blanc

The wine reveals its strengths particularly well alongside spicy-piquant dishes. The interplay of vibrant acidity, citrus freshness, and creamy texture supports intense flavors and showcases their richness impressively.

• Spicy Asian cuisine with ginger, chili, and lemongrass
• Curries with chicken or vegetables, preferably with coconut milk
• Grilled fish with lemon butter and fresh herbs
• Seafood, especially grilled prawns or scallops
• Soft cheeses with gentle spice, such as Brie or Camembert

As a food companion, this Chenin Blanc shines at convivial evenings with friends, stylish dinner parties, or as the highlight of a multi-course menu. It also works as an upscale aperitif before an aromatic meal, making a clear statement and building anticipation for the following courses.

For ideal enjoyment, a serving temperature of around 9 to 11 degrees Celsius is recommended. The cooler temperature emphasizes freshness, citrus fruit, and minerality, while, as the glass warms, the creamy texture and fine oak notes come to the fore. A medium-sized white wine glass with a slightly bulbous shape gives the wine enough room to display its aromatic diversity impressively.

In the first years after harvest, the Old Vine Steen op Hout Chenin Blanc - Mulderbosch shows its fruit particularly brightly and the lemon with great precision. Careful storage in the dark at a constant, cool temperature with minimal fluctuation preserves finesse and structure. A few years of bottle aging develop additional notes of honey, dried citrus peel, and nutty nuances, making the wine appear even more complex and multi-faceted.

• More products from Mulderbosch Vineyards