Tembela Chenin Blanc 2025
Tembela Chenin Blanc 2025
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DESCRIPTION
Tembela Chenin Blanc 2025 is a single-varietal white wine produced by independent winemaker Banele Vakele, whose Tembela Wines label honours his late mother. Crafted from dry-farmed old-vine Chenin Blanc, with 80% sourced from Stellenbosch vineyards and 20% from a Darling vineyard planted in 1993. The grapes undergo wild yeast fermentation in older oak barrels, producing a textured, expressive wine that balances ripe fruit concentration with freshness and minerality. The 2025 vintage offers a refined expression of Cape Chenin Blanc, with subtle oak influence and excellent ageing potential. Residual Sugar 2.6 g/L. Bottled at 13.5%. (Bottle size 750ml)
TASTING NOTES
Nose: Fragrant aromas of orange blossom, jasmine and lemongrass, complemented by ripe peach, grapefruit zest and delicate wet-stone minerality.
Palate: Rich and beautifully textured, with ripe stone fruit, citrus and greengage flavours. A gentle creaminess from oak maturation is balanced by fresh acidity, subtle salinity and a smooth, silky mouthfeel.
Finish: Long, clean and elegant, with lingering notes of candied lemon, orange zest and a delicate savoury, mineral character.
Tembela is the project of winemaker Banele Vakele, whose journey from Khayelitsha to Elsenburg Agricultural College, through the Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Programme, his work at Savage Wines, and international harvests in Burgundy, Yarra Valley and Oregon, has shaped his philosophy: minimal intervention, sustainable viticulture and wines that reflect place and story. Named after his late mother, Tembela means “to have faith or trust or hope,” grounding the brand in personal legacy. The label artwork features two women, one honouring his mother, the other acknowledging the collective influence of the women who support us, from aunts to sisters. His winemaking is intentionally restrained, relying on thoughtful vineyard selection, gentle extraction, wild fermentations and patient élevage to allow authenticity to take the lead. In this way, Tembela represents sincerity, heritage and culture. Respecting the land and the life stories woven into them.
