Region: Coastal Region, South Africa
Grape: Chenin Blanc
De Nieuwe Haarlem is one of the VOCs fleet, it ploughed the oceans between continents at a time when the VOC was the world's first multi-national corporation. In 1647, the VOC crew met bad weather when they were transporting high company officials from Amsterdam to far-away colonies. The heroic crews survival led to the establishment of a halfway station by Jan van Riebeeck in 1652, that ultimately led to the founding of South Africa and the first vines being planted in the Cape.
Tasting Note: The grapes were hand harvested very early in the morning, between mid-to-end-February, allowing the grapes to retain natural flavour. Only free run juice was used, fermented in 50% stainless steel and 50% older French oak barrels.
This wine has a nose of white pear, melon and apricot layered with mineral notes. It has an interesting viscosity that coats the palate. Well integrated oak provides spicy complexity and depth flavour.