# The Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc (2018)

- **Producer:** Bellingham Wines
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chenin Blanc
- **Region:** Western Cape, South Africa
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €33
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** orange, yellow peach, tropical fruit, apple, tart apricot, beeswax, toast, smoke, mushroom, dried apricot, citrus peel, crystallized ginger

## 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.

## Interesting facts

- This wine is part of 'The Bernard Series,' honoring Bellingham's pioneering co-founder.
- It carries the 'Certified Heritage Vineyards' seal from the Old Vine Project.
- A Master of Wine student blind-tasted this wine and mistook it for a Premier Cru Burgundy.
- The 2018 harvest was one of the driest on record in South Africa.

## Food pairing

The wine's high acidity cuts through rich sauces and fatty proteins, while its full body and complex fruit notes complement roasted meats and richer seafood. Oak influences can harmonize with grilled or roasted elements.

## 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.