Alexandra McFarlane, winemaker and proprietor of McFarlane Wines, is incredibly passionate about South African ‘heritage’ varietals (working exclusively with Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, Cinsault and Semillon) and the role that they have played in sculpting the evolution of the SA wine industry.She handles the grapes as gently as possible in the winery in order to produce wines that are elegant, honest and undeniably moreish. She picks with freshness in mind, resulting in wines that are comparatively low abv, but maintains complexity through phenolic ripeness and extended lees contact.Grapes are sourced from two of Stellenbosch’s premier Chenin wards – Bottelary Hills and Polkadraai Hills. The grapes were whole bunch pressed and allowed to settle naturally before the wine was racked to old French oak barrels for fermentation. The wine spent 6 months on the gross lees with regular ‘battonage’ and underwent full malolactic fermentation.Quince and stone fruit presents on the nose, alongside hints of spice and blossom. Fleshy yellow fruit and spice follow through on the palate and are accompanied by a bright acidity.
