Survivor Chenin Blanc

This oak-aged Chenin Blanc from Survivor is undoubtedly one of the most famous wines from Swartland in the Western Cape. This successful white wine is thanks to Overhex Wines, as they own it. By pouring so much love and passion into the bottle, this is always reflected, says Survivor's winemaker. The label features an indigenous Nguni cow, the traditional cattle of the Zulu people. The cow is still found in the landscape of Survivor wine. This is thanks to a number of bold cows that jumped out of the truck as it drove through the vineyards. These free-range cows sought their fortune among the vineyards, making them a fixture in the winemaking landscape. It is this freedom that led Survivor to depict the cow on the label, but you can also taste a certain freedom in this white Chenin Blanc.

Wood aging for the Survivor Chenin Blanc

This white wine uses Chenin Blanc grapes from the Constantia vineyard in Swartland. They have a low yield, but the bunches that can be harvested are invaluable. The Chenin Blanc grapes ripen optimally thanks to the fresh breeze and ample sunshine. The grapes are picked in the morning to ensure they arrive cool in the cellar. After pressing, approximately seventy percent of the juice is aged in oak barrels in Survivor's cellars. After this period, all the barrels are combined to give the wine another four months of aging time. And yes, that's when the result is incredible, comparable to a top Sancerre.

A wine with a kick, this Survivor Chenin Blanc

A Chenin Blanc with a kick, as it's lightly aged in oak before bottling. Yes, that's what makes it refined and spicy! Upon opening the bottle, we immediately notice a powerful aroma of cedar, citrus fruit, and a hint of vanilla. Pouring reveals a lemon-yellow color with green glints, and all our senses are stimulated. Swirl the glass gently and don't drink it too cold, as that's precisely when it releases all its beautiful aromas. Think of notes of apricots, lemongrass, ripe peaches, and passion fruit. The palate is soft and wonderfully fresh, with refined notes from the oak aging and plenty of fruit, such as green apples, passion fruit, and a hint of lime. What a fantastic Chenin Blanc! It's truly a wine!