Damascene – Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc 2023

Overview

The Damascene Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc 2023 is a complex expression of three mountainous vineyards featuring shale, greywacke, and granite soils. The old vines, planted between 1972 and 1982, provide concentration, elegance, and a natural balance between freshness and structure. This wine shows tension, texture, and vibrancy, with mineral aromas intertwined with white fruit and subtle herbal hints. It is a Chenin Blanc that rewards time in both the cellar and the glass, gradually revealing layers of detail. Contains sulfites.

History of the Wine

Damascene’s Chenin Blanc is sourced from historic Stellenbosch vineyards: Sonop, Houmoed, and Mooiplaas. Located on hilltops at 325–340 meters above sea level, these sites produce small, healthy, and highly concentrated berries. The 2023 harvest was advanced due to warm, dry conditions, resulting in fruit with excellent natural acidity and aromatic intensity. This vintage expresses the unique character of old vines, delivering elegance, refinement, and a vibrant, mineral-driven profile. Contains sulfites.

Vineyard Philosophy

Each vineyard contributes distinctive traits: Mooiplaas (granite, 1981) adds structure and depth; Houmoed (greywacke, 1972) offers complexity and aromatic richness; Sonop (shale, 1982) contributes freshness and mineral tension. Minimal-intervention viticulture preserves biodiversity and soil health, while manual work ensures the grapes retain integrity and purity, reflecting the vineyard’s terroir authentically. Contains sulfites.

Winemaking Approach

Grapes were hand-harvested between 31 January and 6 February, chilled to 8 °C, hand-sorted, and pressed gently in a Champagne cycle. Fermentation occurred in 1,000 L Austrian oak foudres, with 11 months sur lie at 6–8 °C. No bâtonnage or malolactic fermentation was performed, preserving vivid natural acidity. Sulfur was first introduced just before bottling in December 2024. This careful approach ensures a textural, expressive, and mineral-driven Chenin Blanc. Contains sulfites.

Tasting Notes

Colour: bright straw with green highlights.
Nose: gravel, chalk, lemon peel, and delicate herbal nuances.
Palate: white peach and grapefruit wrapped around a waxy, textural core, with subtle hints of wild herbs and persistent stony minerality. A wine of restraint and unfolding complexity, rewarding patience.

Food Pairing

Pairs with baked or grilled fish, shellfish, steamed vegetables, fresh cheeses, delicate risottos, and white meats. Also ideal as a contemplative wine due to its depth and persistent texture. Contains sulfites.

Technical Sheet

• Variety: 100% Chenin Blanc

• Origin: Stellenbosch

• Vineyards: Sonop, Houmoed, Mooiplaas

• Altitude: 325–340 m

• Soils: shale, greywacke, granite

• Vine age: 1972–1982

• Harvest: 31 January – 6 February

• Vinification: 1,000 L Austrian oak foudres, sur lie, no bâtonnage, malolactic blocked

• Maturation: 11 months sur lie at 6–8 °C

• Production: 2171 x 750 ml, 75 x 1500 ml

• Bottling date: 5 December 2024

• Alcohol: 12.7% vol

• pH: 3.15

• TA: 6.3 g/L

• RS: 1.9 g/L

• Serving temperature: 10–12 °C

• Contains sulfites

Damascene Winery

Damascene Winery

History

The Damascene winery was founded in 2017 through the collaboration between winemaker Jean Smit and wine entrepreneur David Curl, marking a new chapter in South African fine wine. After key experiences at leading Cape estates, Smit envisioned a project capable of expressing the depth and purity of the country’s most remote and fascinating terroirs. The name “Damascene” refers to a moment of revelation that inspired him to create a winery both artisanal and visionary. From the start, the ambition was clear: to craft wines that embody the true identity of South African vineyards, allowing nature itself to be the primary storyteller.

Vineyard Philosophy

Damascene’s viticultural philosophy is rooted in an ongoing search for the purest and most untouched terroirs across the Western Cape, with parcels located in Stellenbosch, Swartland, the Ceres Plateau and other areas defined by intense microclimates and ancient soils. The vineyards are farmed with minimal-intervention methods, relying on natural forces such as constant winds, organic soil management, self-produced mulch and meticulous manual care. The team collaborates closely with local farmers—guardians of long-standing traditions—emphasizing biodiversity, sustainability and authenticity. Every plot is cultivated to reflect its geological uniqueness and natural balance.

Cellar Approach

In the cellar, Damascene follows a method combining precision and restraint. Grapes are hand-harvested, cooled and transferred by gravity into concrete fermenters to preserve their freshness and integrity. Fermentations occur spontaneously with indigenous yeasts, contributing to aromatic depth and purity. Reds mature in large Austrian oak foudres, while whites rest in smaller neutral vessels, always with the lightest possible touch. Sulphites are used sparingly, added only before bottling to maintain a transparent expression of each vineyard’s character. Contains sulphites.

Values and Vision

Damascene represents a philosophy of winemaking that goes beyond technique, turning each bottle into a portrait of South Africa’s landscapes. The team travels thousands of kilometres to select high-altitude sites, isolated parcels and soils with rare geological identities. A portion of production is dedicated to experimentation, exploring new styles and interpretations of traditional varieties. The winery’s identity is built on a contemporary, curious and environmentally respectful vision, blending strong stylistic personality with absolute fidelity to the origin of the grapes. The result is a range of vibrant, precise and expressive wines that stand among the most compelling in the new South African wine scene.