Thistle & Weed - Duwweltjie Paarl Chenin Blanc 2022

Thistle and Weed is a collaboration between the Terblanche and Wiid families established in 2015, led by Etienne Terblanche (Viticulturist) and Stephanie Wiid (Winemaker). They seek out interesting vineyards of older vines around the Western Cape. This bush vine chenin was planted in 1961 on the windswept koffeklip slopes of Joostenberg. Duwweltjie are the Devils' thorns that stick to the soles of your boots when you visit the rugged site. The grapes were whole bunch pressed and native fermented in older French 225L barrels, with bâtonnage for the first month, and then was left undisturbed on lees for 10 months. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Alluring meadow herbs, white peach, pear skin, and subtle quince are woven throughout this gently textural chenin, padded with lees, and lit with a buzzing energy that spirals this out into the lingering finish. The 2021 is very smart, and drinking beauty now. ()