Bellevue Estate Chenin Blanc

Bellevue Estate Chenin Blanc

A glass of Chenin Blanc transports us to carefree afternoons under the sun, where laughter flows as freely as the conversation—whether shared with lifelong friends or those we’ve just met. From unexpected drop-ins to long-overdue reunions, this is the wine that belongs at every table.

TASTING NOTE

Ripe pineapple and stone fruit aromas are complemented by clean mineral
undertones. A fresh palate, with great balance between perceived sweetness and
racy acid, ending in a crisp finish. A perfect summer white, best enjoyed on its own
or with al fresco dining.

IN THE VINEYARD

Old bush vines planted in weathered granite topsoil and crumbly clay sub-soil on a southern slope in rows that are strategically aligned in a north-south orientation.
IN THE CELLAR
Each grape is carefully handpicked before being destemmed, crushed, and gently pressed. The freshly pressed juice then rests overnight in stainless steel tanks to allow natural settling. Once clarified, it is transferred to fermentation vessels, where specially chosen yeast strains are introduced to enhance the wine’s authentic varietal expression.

Pinotage was cultivated by Prof A.I. Perold around 1925 when he crossed Cinsault and Pinot noir. The first Pinotage cuttings made their way onto Bellevue soil in the early 1950’s when P.K. Morkel was attempting to obtain Gamay Noir for planting. He was not able to find the cultivar he was looking for and approached the Agricultural College at Elsenburg.

He was advised to try the newly developed variety, called Pinotage. At that stage, there were no commercial plantings of this variety, only experimental vines cultivated by the college. In 1953, together with Paul Sauer from Kanonkop, P.K. Morkel was one of the first few farmers to plant Pinotage on a commercial scale. His bold step paid off, since Bellevue’s Pinotage was awarded the Genl. Smuts Trophy in 1959, being the best young wine on the Cape Wine Show.

To salute the vision and bravery of P.K. Morkel, Bellevue takes utmost care of the 1953 Pinotage block which is still in production. It remains the pride and joy of Bellevue and a very special wine is made from this block, called Bellevue Heritage Pinotage.

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Bellevue Estate Chenin Blanc