In a year that has proven exceptional for South African wine on the global stage, Spier Wine Farm has achieved a remarkable double triumph that places both their 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2022 and Cellar Master Johan Jordaan firmly in the international spotlight.
The estate’s 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2022 claimed gold at The Global Wine Masters, whilst Jordaan simultaneously earned the prestigious title of Chenin Blanc Master Winemaker at the Master Winemaker 100 awards in Paris. This dual recognition represents more than individual accolades – it’s a testament to South Africa’s mastery of a grape variety that has become synonymous with our winemaking identity.
HERITAGE IN EVERY GLASS
The 21 Gables range pays deliberate homage to Spier’s extraordinary 300-year winemaking legacy. The estate’s 21 architecturally significant gables, preserved to this day, stand as silent witnesses to centuries of viticultural evolution. Historical archives suggest that the first vines planted on Spier in the 1700s were most likely Chenin Blanc – making this recent triumph a beautiful full-circle moment.
“Chenin Blanc is a wine built in layers,” reflects Jordaan with characteristic humility. “While it’s a winemaker’s dream to work with, it also demands a hands-on approach and deep understanding of your vineyards. This recognition belongs to our entire team – from the people nurturing our soils to those crafting these wines in our cellar.”
THE ART OF OLD VINE EXPRESSION
The award-winning 2022 vintage showcases what happens when traditional winemaking wisdom meets contemporary precision. Barrel-fermented and matured, this Chenin Blanc draws its complexity from prized old vines that have weathered decades of South African seasons. The result is a wine that speaks eloquently of place and time.
Presenting as pale lemon gold, the wine opens with generous aromas of ripe peach, pear, litchi, and melon, balanced by citrus rind notes and white coriander spice. On the palate, youthful vibrancy meets sophisticated depth, with lingering acidity providing structure to the dense fruit core that defines truly exceptional Chenin Blanc.
PERFECT PAIRINGS
The wine’s versatility shines through thoughtfully curated food pairings. Jordaan suggests enjoying it alongside crisp, caramelised pork belly, duck breast enhanced with fynbos honey and spices, or the coastal classic of smoked West Coast mussels. For lighter occasions, the wine’s bright acidity makes it an ideal companion to a flavourful vegetable korma curry.
A TOAST TO EXCELLENCE
At R340, the 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2022 represents exceptional value for an internationally awarded wine. More importantly, it embodies the spirit of South African winemaking – rooted in history, refined through generations of expertise, and recognised on the world’s most prestigious stages.
This double victory reminds us why Chenin Blanc remains South Africa’s signature grape variety, capable of producing wines that compete with the finest expressions from anywhere in the world.