One of the most beautiful historical sights of the Cape are the old Dutch houses with their special facades from the 17th and 18th centuries. Cape Dutch, as it is called here. Spier is the largest owner of these special, perfectly preserved facades: no fewer than 21 in total. The 21 Gables owes its name to this historic property. It has been given to wines of the highest level. The Chenin Blanc 21 Gables is made from more than 40 years old vines, with a low yield of very intense grapes. The grapes ferment in 400 liter oak barrels, which gives them a subtle wood aroma. The aging takes place in the same barrels, made of French oak, for 14 months. Three quarters of the barrels are new, but the wine has enough depth not to be dominated by the wood. A Chenin Blanc with a special depth and complexity. The wine is bright straw yellow in the glass. On the nose, the 21 Gables is full and powerful with notes of dried apricots, vanilla, smoky, ripe fruit, broad and complex. In the mouth, this Spier is aromatic and intense, white peaches, nectarines, almonds, honey, hint of orange, fine acidity. Powerful, dry white wine. As far as we are concerned, this is a wine that is more beautiful than many wood-aged chardonnay. The wine also has the nice greasy tone but unlike many chardonnays, the Chenin has a nice acidity and the wine is wonderfully balanced.
