An enormously complex nose with hints of ginger, jasmine and lemon blossom, packed with peaches, pears and an underlying minerality

Vineyards: The Chenin Blanc grapes are from 28-year-old dry land vineyards, aptly named Graveyard Chenin after the historic grave they encompass. The vines naturally yield approximately 5 tons/ha. The Viognier and Chardonnay blocks are also mature and well exposed on a South-facing granite slope, with yields kept to a maximum of 6tons/ha.

Chenin Blanc and Viognier are favourites for white blends in the Voor Paardeberg. The fullness of the Chenin Blanc, as well as the structure and aroma of the Viognier is tempered by a strong mineral character, which our granite soils promote. In 2006 the addition of Chardonnay to the blend increased the “lift” on the nose and gave the wine greater finesse. The 2007 blend now also includes a bit of Grenache Blanc to increase complexity.

Winemaking: All grapes are picked at optimum ripeness, (normally about 24°B) in the early hours of the morning. They are then packed into a cold room to be chilled further and processed the following day.

All white grapes are whole berry pressed. This action reduces the absorption of coarse phenolics and helps retain more of the grape’s natural acidity. This clear juice is transferred directly to 500-litre French oak barrels for fermentation. Some 60% of the wine is fermented spontaneously, ie no pure yeast culture is added. Although a nerve-racking process, this method promotes complexity in the wine.

The Babiana is matured on the yeast lees for 7 months and a high degree of malolactic fermentation occurs spontaneously. This malolactic fermentation promotes rich, buttery flavours. After this period the wine is blended and put back in barrel. The wine spends a total of 11 months in oak before being bottled in January. This sumptuous blend consists of 60% Chenin Blanc, 20%  Chardonnay, 15% Viognier and 5% Grenache Blanc.

Tasting note: This wine is bottle matured for one year before release thereby enhancing a honey-like bottle bouquet. This wine has a deliciously complex and spicey nose of ginger, jasmine, coconut and peaches.