Damascene – Swartland Chenin Blanc 2023

Overview

The Damascene Swartland Chenin Blanc 2023 showcases the sun-warmed fruit typical of the region, supported by crystalline clarity and vibrant acidity. Sourced from two historic vineyards on the granitic outcrops of the Paardeberg, each site brings unique characteristics that contribute to concentration, tension, and harmony. This Chenin Blanc is luminous, elegant, and expressive, developing progressively in the glass with layered flavors. Contains sulfites.

History of the Wine

Swartland is known for a wide range of Chenin Blanc expressions. Damascene selected two emblematic sites: a hilltop vineyard on the northwestern Paardeberg, planted in 1971 and 1979, and Jakkalsfontein, planted in 1983 with old bush vines. The 2023 harvest, advanced due to warm and dry conditions, produced small, concentrated berries with bright natural acidity. This wine expresses the region’s identity with elegance, mineral tension, and sun-washed fruit. Contains sulfites.

Vineyard Philosophy

The Paardeberg vineyard provides tension and subtle acidity through decomposed granite forced to the surface by ancient dolomite, while Jakkalsfontein contributes depth and concentration with granite over clay-rich subsoil. Minimal-intervention viticulture preserves soil health and biodiversity, and manual vineyard work ensures grape integrity, expressing the terroir authentically. Contains sulfites.

Winemaking Approach

Grapes were hand-harvested between 22 and 29 January 2024, chilled to 8 °C overnight, hand-sorted, and pressed gently using a delicate Champagne cycle. Fermentation occurred in 1,000 L Austrian oak foudres, with 11 months sur lie at 6–8 °C. Malolactic fermentation was blocked to preserve vibrant natural acidity, and no bâtonnage was performed. Sulfur was first added just before bottling in January 2025. Contains sulfites.

Tasting Notes

Colour: straw yellow with green highlights.
Nose: peach, nectarine, orange zest, cardamom, with faint fynbos notes.
Palate: lemon-sorbet acidity broadening into juicy stone fruit and orange slices, finishing on white grapefruit with subtle spice and chalky minerality.

Food Pairing

Pairs with baked or grilled fish, shellfish, steamed vegetables, grain salads, delicate risottos, and white meats. Also ideal as a contemplative wine due to its bright acidity and complexity. Contains sulfites.

Technical Sheet

• Variety: 100% Chenin Blanc

• Origin: Swartland

• Vineyards: Paardeberg, Jakkalsfontein

• Altitude: granitic hilltops

• Soils: decomposed granite and clay

• Vine age: 1971–1983

• Harvest: 22–29 January 2024

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

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

• Production: 2673 x 750 ml, 100 x 1500 ml

• Bottling date: 10 January 2025

• Alcohol: 12.53% vol

• pH: 3.12

• TA: 6.5 g/L

• RS: 2.5 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.