10 stellar South African Chenins

8. Hogan Wines Chenin Blanc

Fairly new on the South African wine scene, Jocelyn Hogan makes just three wines, two red, one white, that reflect South Africa’s old vine heritage. The white is of course a Chenin and comes from 40-year-old bush vines planted on decomposed granite in Joubertskloof, Swartland.

Careful hand-sorting is followed by a gentle whole bunch pressing. Then it’s natural fermentation in 225L and 300L French oak barrels followed by natural malolactic fermentation. The wine is then racked off the gross lees and matured on the fine lees until bottling at the end of the year. Restrained, elegant and refreshing Chenin.