Elgin & Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley WOs
Chi means “life force” and Chi stands for CHIUTA (an African rain god). The Saurwein Chi Riesling is a floral and fruity style of off-dry Riesling made from grapes sourced from the following cooler climate regions of South Africa: 60% Casey’s Ridge Vineyard in Elgin, grown on loamy and rocky red slate soils (Riesling clone WR1 10F; planted 2011); 20% Dal Farm, Elgin, grown on alternating rocky, red slate (Riesling clone 110; planted 2007); 20% De Bos Farm, Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley grown on decomposed Bokkeveld Shale and Sandstone (Riesling clones 110 & 239 AB; planted 2011).
Production 11 000 bottles.
2025 was a dream vintage: long, cool ripening resulting in the desired yellow grapes and immense aromatics. Keywords for this vintage: fresh, fruity, textured – delicious!
Grapes were hand-picked, cooled, hand-sorted, destemmed and pressed oxidatively. Spontaneous fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks, which lasted about 5 weeks until optimal residual sugar balance was achieved at about 13,5 g/ I.
Alc: 11 % | RS: 13.3 g/l | pH: 3.1 | TA: 6.7 g/l
Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za:
Floral perfume, pear, peach, apple and spice on the nose while the palate has good fruit weight and a seductive sweetness, the acidity well integrated, the finish gently savoury.
