# To Maike And The Rest (2022)

- **Producer:** Equinox Wines
- **Colour:** orange
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chenin Blanc
- **Region:** Western Cape, South Africa
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** quince, apple, orange, blossom, beeswax, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg

## About this wine

Equinox Wines' "To Maike And The Rest" is a distinctive skin-contact Chenin Blanc from the Paardeberg area of South Africa's Swartland region. Founded in 2018 by Namibian-born winemaker MC Stander, Equinox Wines embodies a philosophy of natural winemaking and organic farming, drawing inspiration from the traditions of Beaujolais. The wine's name is a poignant tribute to a lost friend named Maike, symbolizing life's journeys and the cherished friendships made along the way, represented by a mapped trail hike on Devil's Peak. This wine stands out for its unique production method, resulting in a naturally acidic and lower-alcohol expression of Chenin Blanc that truly reflects its granite-rich terroir.

## Interesting facts

- The wine's name, 'To Maike And The Rest,' is a heartfelt tribute to a lost friend, symbolized by a mapped trail hike on Devil's Peak.
- It's a rare 100% whole-bunch, skin-macerated Chenin Blanc, fermented for 12 days, offering a distinctive take on the varietal.
- Winemaker MC Stander, inspired by Beaujolais, champions organic farming and minimal intervention to create balanced, terroir-expressive wines.
- Only 1,196 bottles of the 2023 vintage were produced, highlighting its artisanal and limited-production nature.

## Food pairing

The wine's skin-contact texture, oxidative complexity, and vibrant acidity make it exceptionally versatile. It can stand up to rich, aromatic, and even spicy dishes, bridging the gap between white and red wine pairings. The saline freshness cuts through fattiness, while its fruit and spice notes complement a wide range of global cuisines, particularly those with aromatic spices or a touch of sweetness.

## Wine making process

The grapes for "To Maike And The Rest" are sourced from vines grown in granite soils with a sandy top layer in the Paardeberg area. Winemaker MC Stander practices organic farming on his leased vines and also procures fruit from other local organic and biodynamic growers. Grapes are harvested early to preserve freshness. The winemaking process involves a 12-day fermentation with 100% whole bunches, a key factor in its skin-contact profile. The philosophy emphasizes minimal chemical inputs and a low level of added sulfur. Following fermentation, the wine is aged in small, used oak barrels to develop complexity and texture.