Wine Composition
100% Chenin Blanc
Winemakers Comments
A Complex array of wild fermentation characteristics are ever
present in this edition of the Delheim Wild Ferment.
Dominant fragrances on stone fruits and orange peel held
together by a subtle hint of caramel. Vibrant fruit with plentiful
mouth feel and lasting finish are in beautiful harmony on the
palate. A truly beautiful display of sublime vineyards, minimal
intervention winemaking and mother nature.
Awards
John Platter | 4 stars
Technical Analysis
Alcohol Percentage
13.89%
Total Acidity
6.9 g/l
pH
3.29
RS
1.9 g/l
Cellar Techniques
2018 harvest was a classic vintage with all the Chenin Blanc
blocks performing well. The grapes had reached phenolic
ripeness and portray all the hallmarks of the classic Wild
Ferment Chenin Blanc. Fruit from the two blocks were treated differently in the cellar
with the Bobbejaan being whole bunch pressed while the Ou
jong Steen's grapes was de-stemmed and crushed. Juice
yielded was allowed to settle before it was racked into 500 L
barrels where indigenous yeast played a huge role in
contributing to the profile of this wine.
After Maturation the wine was racked off its primary lees and
clarified by means of settling resulting in a wine that
wasn't altered before bottling in order to contain the most
aromatic compound in the wine that would have been lost due
to such an action otherwise.
Winemaker
Name - Spatz Sperling
Winery
Delheim Wine Estate is situated in the Simonsberg Ward of Stellenbosch in South Africa, with views that are breathtaking all year round.
Over the years, Delheim became a microcosm of Spatz's visionary work in the greater Stellenbosch community and the Cape winelands as a whole.
The indomitable Spatz was the unwitting pioneer of public wine tasting events personally hosted by winemakers outside the winelands. In 1962 he embarked upon his first 'tasting tour', ferrying himself and his wines by car, train, and plane to East London, Port Elizabeth, and Johannesburg, the first producer to do so.
The ultimate wine industry recognition of Michael 'Spatz' Sperling's extraordinary contribution to Cape wine came in 2009, the year in which the industry celebrated 350 years of winemaking. He was one the pioneers honoured with the 350 Celebration Scroll.
Conservation: By sharing the land amongst all the stakeholders and training people to understand and appreciate - as well as work on - the land, Delheim is fostering a system that yields a livelihood for everyone; one that will continue to do so for future generations. With 375 hectares of land situated in the beautiful Simonsberg Ward of Stellenbosch, Delheim is a keen exponent of the wine industry’s movement to conserve the region.