Magnetic North is a single origin Chenin Blanc wine. Since its maiden vintage in 2013, this wine has become a perennial star in our line-up. Every vintage it manages to combine power and finesse in a way very few other Chenin vineyards from anywhere (not just the Cape) are able to do.

Meaning behing the name: The vineyard lies a few degrees off true north from our cellar, roughly on magnetic North. The name implies distance and exploration. It implies a true course of action or movement. It implies an attractive force causing us to drive miles and miles for these vines. There is plenty of iron in the soil, which is a magnetic element, so that fit nicely too. In physical reality, Magnetic North is always moving, it never remains in the same place, so there is the added implication of a mysterious unattainable target.

The grapes were hand sorted and whole bunch pressed. The juice is very lightly settled (we like very cloudy raw juice) with no additions to the raw juice, wild fermentation in both one foudre and one cement egg. Fermentation lasted about one month. The wine was kept on lees for around 12 months, then rested in tank on fine lees without fining for a further five months prior to bottling. Very simple, careful winemaking.

Tasting Notes: Beautiful, haunting nose of pear and pomelo, some herbs. Palate is absolutely grand, nay majestic. What a vineyard. Good grief. The wine is poised and powerful, a landscape deep and wide. Everything the light touches. 

Food Pairing: Known for its intense minerality, bright acidity, and subtle salinity. It pairs best with fresh seafood, creamy or nutty cheeses, and dishes with citrus or herbal notes. Fresh Seafood: The wine’s saline edge and mineral depth are perfect for raw oysters with a mignonette sauce, scallops seared in brown butter, or delicate ceviche. Rich Poultry & Pork: Its texture and concentrated acidity balance the richness of roast chicken with preserved lemon or pork tenderloin with apple and sage.

ANALYSIS: ALC 13.5% | TA 6.31g/L | pH 3.3 | RS 1.6g/L