Le Chant Wines, nestled in the picturesque Polkadraai region of Stellenbosch, is delighted to announce an early start to the 2024 grape harvest season. Marked by the proud crow of the symbolic rooster, a cherished emblem of Le Chant, this year’s harvest commenced a remarkable ten days ahead of schedule. The Chenin Blanc grapes destined for Le Chant Blanc were among the first to grace the harvest bins, commencing as early as the end of January, while the gathering of red varieties for Le Chant Rouge is also set to begin earlier than usual.
Reflecting on the unanticipated early start, Petri Venter, the esteemed winemaker at Le Chant, shared insights into the unique conditions shaping this year’s harvest. Following a year of exceptional rainfall and an extended cold winter, initial projections leaned towards a delayed harvest. However, nature’s unpredictable course took a different turn. The onset of spring warmth and sunshine roused the dormant vines ahead of schedule, propelling them into the new growth cycle. With bud-break, leaf development, and berry-set occurring ahead of their typical timeline, the stage was set for an early and expedited harvest.
Venter emphasized the exceptional health of the grapes harvested for Le Chant Chenin Blanc, attributing it to a combination of factors including last year’s ample rainfall and the cooling influence of the nearby Atlantic Ocean. The moisture retained in the soils from the previous winter nourished the roots, while the lush vine canopies provided shade, allowing for optimal ripening conditions even amidst the summer heat.
This favourable environment has yielded Chenin Blanc grapes of unparalleled quality, characterized by firm acids, low pH levels, and distinctive varietal characteristics. Notably, a portion of the Chenin Blanc grapes originates from vines planted as far back as 1983, contributing to the wine’s muscular structure and refined fruit purity—a testament to the renowned terroir of Polkadraai.
Since its inaugural vintage in 2019, Le Chant has swiftly garnered a devoted following within the Stellenbosch wine community. With its iconic label featuring a resounding rooster and the exceptional quality of its Blanc and Rouge wines, Le Chant epitomizes French sophistication while remaining firmly rooted in the rich terroir of Polkadraai, Stellenbosch. As Venter aptly notes, “The brand speaks of French flair, but the wines’ soul lies firmly in the incredible terroir of Polkadraai, Stellenbosch, allowing us to craft wines of distinction and global allure.”
