TASTING NOTES

A new release of one of our small batch bottlings we produce some years at Laibach. This is our new Natural Sweet “Mosel style” Chenin Blanc 2018. We use the same block for this wine since 2001. It is a very old bush vine block planted in the Bottelary Hills. The yields are very low and the vigor even lower. This is ideal for the ripening phase, to produce very high levels of sugar without any noble rot.

The grapes are handpicked during middle March and we do not destem. Bunches are softly whole bunch pressed and sugars will reach at least 30 degree Balling. We do settling with enzymes and inoculate with very weak yeast for a slow and very cold fermentation. If we reach around 7,3 % alcohol the fermentation is stopped with cooling, filtering and a good dollop of Sulfur. The wine is then bottled early April to keep the freshness and aromas. We only produce around 900 liters per year.

The wine is a light straw yellow. Remember it is a Natural Sweet and not a typical South–African Noble rot wine. The nose is tropical, with hints of pineapple and white peach. Some lactic characters also evident. The palate is juicy and full with a lovely lingering acidity. Well balanced with a great harmony between sugar and acid. A wine that can be enjoyed at any occasion but with enough dimension to complement some rich oily dishes.