Our wine of the week, in collaboration with wine.co.za, is Knorhoek Chenin Blanc 2022.
Knorhoek is a historic wine farm located in the picturesque Knorhoek Valley that offers a unique blend of heritage and modernity. Its heritage dates back to 1694, making it one of the oldest farms in the Stellenbosch region. The farm’s rich history is a testament to resilience and transformation, shaped significantly by the Beyers and Van Niekerk families. These families have left an indelible mark on Knorhoek, contributing to its legacy and ensuring its continued prominence in South African viticulture.
The modern era of Knorhoek began in 1998 when the farm was subdivided, with a portion becoming the well-known Quoin Rock estate. Despite this change, the essence of Knorhoek remained intact. In 2019, the Gaiduk family acquired Knorhoek, bringing a fresh vision that honours the farm’s historical roots while looking towards a sustainable and innovative future. This transition marked a new chapter, blending respect for tradition with a commitment to progress.
The farm’s dedication to preservation is evident in its sustainable practices, which aim to protect the natural environment and cultural heritage for future generations. Knorhoek is your family’s playground. There is a deli with comfort food, wine, and products straight from the farm; charming accommodations for families, couples, and solo travellers; and scenic trails that are perfect for hiking, running, or cycling.
This Heritage Month, you are invited to indulge in the rich flavours and heritage of Knorhoek wines. Each bottle is a testament to their dedication to quality and tradition. By seamlessly blending traditional techniques with modern advances, they remain at the pinnacle of viticultural excellence, ensuring the wines not only honour their rich heritage but also anticipate the future of winemaking. The small-batch Knorhoek range only consists of two fine wines: Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Crafted from heritage vines, Knorhoek Chenin Blanc 2022 offers vibrant stone fruit flavours with a robust structure. This Chenin Blanc comes from a single block of vines growing against the slopes of Simonsberg, planted in 1980. Despite coming from the same block, there is significant variation within the grapes, requiring each picking to be treated individually. This aligns with the philosophy of small-batch winemaking, where the origin of each parcel of grapes is carefully considered and expressed.
The wine’s fruit profile remains faithful to the varietal – stone fruits, succulent peach, apricot, and zesty lime interplay seamlessly with hints of melon, green apple, and elegant white pear. The integrated, slightly robust structure lingers harmoniously, underscoring the symphony of flavours. This Chenin Blanc elegantly marries its character with newfound richness, making it a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking a nuanced and captivating experience.
The Knorhoek Chenin Blanc 2022 has won multiple awards this year. It made the top 10 of the Standard Bank Chenin Blanc Challenge; it won the Trophy for Best Chenin Blanc at the inaugural Fine Wine Awards; and it secured two medals: Gold at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles and Double Gold at the National Wine Challenge.
Wine estate name: Knorhoek Wine Farm
Location: Knorhoek Valley, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
In Collaboration with: wine.co.za
