Leeuwenkuil Family Vineyards Swartland Reserve White 2023

Leeuwenkuil is situated in the triangle between Malmesbury, Paarl and Durbanville. The Atlantic Ocean lies 20 miles to the west, which has a significant cooling and moderating effect on the Mediterranean climate. The rolling hills average around 140 meters above sea level. However, the superior influence on the wine is from the various soil formations, namely shale, schist, granite, and iron stone. These ancient soils vary greatly in the percentage of clay, mineral content, and organic matter. This blend of granite and shale soils makes for an interesting blend with body, mineral, and freshness. Chenin Blanc makes up most of the blend, and the vineyards are low-density bush vines that best handle dryland conditions. A mixed cover crop is planted during early winter and ploughed in mid-spring. All pruning, suckering, and harvesting actions take place by hand. Exposure to spring and summer winds creates a healthy environment with little intervention to keep vines healthy.