Judges sampled entries from eight countries in a competition that welcomed wines with at least 50% Chenin Blanc in their blend. Amidst this international array, Spier's wines distinguished themselves as leaders. The 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2020, Seaward Chenin Blanc 2022, and Good Natured Organic Chenin Blanc 2023 each secured gold medals, with scores ranging from 93-96 points. Additionally, the Spier Signature Chenin Blanc 2023 earned a well-deserved silver, tallying a score between 89-92 points.
The new competition from the Drinks Business heralds an exciting time for the white varietal to receive more deserved attention on the global stage. In recent years, South Africa has been recognised as one of the few countries producing fine wine Chenin, along with the Loire Valley in France and a handful of wineries in Australia.
But Chenin Blanc is not new to Spier. Archives indicate that the first vines planted on Spier in the 1700s were most likely 'Steen' - now known as Chenin Blanc. Today, Chenin Blanc is South Africa’s most widely planted variety, covering 18.5% of the national vineyard area and making up the majority of old vine plantings. Adored for its diversity in styles, capable of making anything from sparkling wines and lean, dry whites to sweet, golden nectars and brandy, it’s a veritable chameleon of the vineyard.
What elevates Spier’s results further is that they encompass a variety of price brackets and styles, reinforcing that great wine begins in the vineyard - an adage that rings very true for Spier.
With a multifaceted regenerative approach to farming, the Spier team acts as guardians of the land, working diligently to improve the soils for future generations. Take, for example, the story of the 21 Gables Chenin Blanc. Once a low-yielding vineyard destined for replanting, Cellar Master Johan Jordaan explains that Spier’s regenerative philosophy prompted him to think differently:
“Rather than uprooting an established 37-year-old parcel of vines, we worked to resurrect the vineyard to its former glory.” He lovingly refers to it as the ‘Lazarus’ vineyard, emphasising that “such vine maturity draws a beautiful and focused expression of terroir into the wine.”
Thanks to Chenin Blanc’s extensive depth in terms of vineyards, terroir diversity and winemaking expertise, the final offering depends on the initial intention of the winemaker. According to Spier’s Organic Winemaker, Tania Kleintjes, the winemaking process should involve as little interference as possible. “The less we fiddle with nature, the better the results.”
For Spier, when nature is in a good place, so is everything else. And when it comes to their Chenin Blanc, that place happens to be at the top of the podium.
About Spier
Established in 1692, Spier is one of South Africa’s oldest and most celebrated family-owned working wine farms. Across all its areas of its involvement, from land to community, and art to entrepreneurship, the business employs a long-term, intentional, regenerative model. This connected, collaborative and systemic approach is part of Spier’s DNA.
The Spier label has become a symbol for top terroir-driven wines, and the winery produces multiple ranges of award-winning wines. Spier has twice been named South African Producer of the Year by the International Wine & Spirit Competition.
Spier’s excellence in winemaking is matched by its love of growing and making good food. Most of what you’ll eat or buy on the farm – at the Farm Café, in the Hotel Restaurant and at Vadas Smokehouse & Bakery – is homegrown or sourced nearby.
Art, like food and wine, is best shared, which is why Spier is such an enthusiastic supporter of African artists and their creations. The Spier Art Collection, housed throughout the farm and at the Spier Hotel – itself a haven of tranquillity and relaxation – is one of the largest collections of contemporary South African art in the country.
Pioneering environmental and social initiatives have added to Spier’s reputation for doing things differently. Spier’s Growing for Good initiatives, which aim to make a long-lasting positive impact empower communities to make positive social and environmental change.
Spier is a WWF Conservation Champion and a member of the Wine Industry Ethical Trade Associations (WIETA). Spier is FSSC 22000 and organically certified and vegan-friendly. The Hotel is Fair Trade Tourism accredited. The business aims to reach a net zero-aligned carbon footprint by 2030.