Le Chant, the Stellenbosch wine estate owned by the French Oddo family, is set to achieve official organic certification for its 80 hectares of vineyards. Known for its French and Sicilian wine interests, Oddo Vins et Domaines also owns two other Stellenbosch properties: Taaibosch and Pink Valley, both located on the picturesque slopes of the Helderberg Mountain.
Petri Venter, Le Chant’s winemaker, highlights the enduring appeal of organic practices. “Organic is here to stay,” he asserts. “Today’s consumers are increasingly aware of the benefits of producing food and drink as close to nature as possible. As a winemaker with experience, I believe organic farming makes sense. It’s essentially a return to the methods used by our great-grandfathers—farming without artificial chemicals.”
The essence of “organic wine” lies in its production from grapes grown without chemical pesticides or fertilizers. At Le Chant, the vineyards’ koffieklip and decomposed granite soils are enriched with natural compost, while dense cover crops regenerate the soil and attract beneficial pests. This approach yields grapes with natural flavours and a balanced chemical profile ideal for winemaking.
Le Chant offers two wines: Le Chant Blanc, crafted from Chenin Blanc, and Le Chant Rouge, a blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. A common misconception about organic wine is that it contains no sulphur. Petri clarifies that sulphur is essential for preserving wine and preventing spoilage. While organic wines do use sulphur, the amount added is minimal to maintain quality.
“In America, organic wines are restricted from added sulphur,” Petri notes. “We aim to use as little as possible, but some sulphur is necessary to ensure the wine remains fresh, not like salad dressing.”
The advantages of organic wine extend beyond sustainability. Petri observes that organic farming enhances wine quality, with red wines showing brighter fruit flavours and white wines exhibiting fresh, crisp elegance. This perspective aligns with global trends. Burgundy, one of the world’s most esteemed wine regions, is increasingly adopting organic farming practices. British Wine Master Remington Norman attests to the noticeable improvement in wine quality as more Burgundy estates transition to organic viticulture. “The wines from organic vineyards have more personality, purity, and are simply stunning,” he says.
Although Le Chant will soon be officially recognized as an organic producer, the wines will not prominently display “organic” on their labels. Petri emphasizes that the focus remains on the quality of the wines and the distinctive expression of their Polkadraai-Stellenbosch terroir. “For Le Chant, organic farming is inherently a mark of quality,” he concludes. “Our commitment to natural practices is reflected in the wines themselves.”
