COLOUR
White
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2018
GRAPE
Chenin Blanc
PRODUCER
Bellingham Wines
REGION
Western Cape
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Full
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
High
Finish
Long
Intensity
Pronounced
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
The Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc by Bellingham Wines is a limited release from the 2018 vintage, hailing from South Africa's Western Cape. The wine is crafted from 100% Chenin Blanc grapes sourced from Certified Heritage Vineyards, featuring old bush vines aged between 35 and 47 years. These low-yielding vines grow in mineral-rich granite soils, benefiting from coastal breezes that enhance complexity and balance. Bellingham Wines is a historic estate with a legacy of innovation, dating back to 1693. The 2018 vintage was particularly challenging due to severe drought, resulting in a concentrated and expressive wine. This bottling is part of 'The Bernard Series,' a tribute to Bellingham's co-founder, Bernard Podlashuk, and is an official member of the Old Vine Project.
ALCOHOL
13.5%
AVG. PRICE
€33
STYLE
Classic
When to drink
Now or Later
Ideal temperature
10-12°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
This wine is part of 'The Bernard Series,' honoring Bellingham's pioneering co-founder.
Fact 02
It carries the 'Certified Heritage Vineyards' seal from the Old Vine Project.
Fact 03
A Master of Wine student blind-tasted this wine and mistook it for a Premier Cru Burgundy.
Fact 04
The 2018 harvest was one of the driest on record in South Africa.
FOOD PAIRING
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WINE MAKING PROCESS
The Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc is produced from hand-picked grapes grown on old bush vines (35-47 years old) in the Western Cape's Coastal Region. These low-yielding vines are planted in granite soils and benefit from cooling sea breezes. Following harvest, the wine undergoes aging for 12 months in French oak barriques, with 50% new oak usage. A key technique involves extended lees contact with regular bâtonnage (lees stirring), which contributes significantly to the wine's rich texture and complexity. The challenging 2018 vintage, marked by severe drought, resulted in highly concentrated fruit.
