Craven Chenin Blanc 2023

Stellenbosch, South Africa 

100% Chenin Blanc

"Chenin blanc is a variety that we have always wanted to work with, but were waiting for the right vineyard to come along. Towards the end of 2015, we came across a beautiful site up on the Polkadraai Hills. This faux-bushvine vineyard had been farmed for sweet wine production, and the farmer was happy that a few us were excited to make some dry wine out of it! A little bit of TLC and we had a special block on our hands."

Craven Wines was founded in 2014 by Mick and Janine. They make honest, energetic, pure wines and source fruit from single vineyard sites in and around Stellenbosch. Originally from Australia, Mick met Jeanine whilst working in Sonoma, California, before both moving to South Africa in 2011. All fruit sourced now comes only from vineyards whose farmers are dedicated to working their land organically. Stellenbosch has diversity of sites and terroirs which means when farming well, there is a lot of site expression in the grapes and final wine. They work with farmers who understand the importance of cover crops and removing chemical treatments. The winemaking approach keeps things relatively simple; no cultured yeasts, enzymes or fining agents are added. Bottling is with minimal sulphur additions.