The Producer

Opstal Estate has been in the same family since 1847, when JC Rossouw first cultivated this land in the Slanghoek Valley. Seven generations later, winemaker Attie Louw is the one in the cellar — a direct descendant of that founding family, working alongside his father Stanley and brother Zak. The modern chapter of Opstal winemaking began in 1950, when Carl Everson — Stanley’s grandfather — chose to make and bottle his own wine rather than send his grapes to the local cooperative. That decision set the estate on its own path. Attie has spent the years since pushing it further, earning multiple Platter 5-star ratings for the estate’s Chenin Blancs and building a reputation that extends well beyond the Slanghoek Valley. As Attie puts it: “I have a great love for Chenin Blanc and believe it is undoubtedly the variety we do best in South Africa.”

Vintage & Terroir

The 2024 Chenin Blanc is sourced from multiple blocks on the Opstal farm, with priority given to the riverside alluvial sites alongside the Slanghoek River — the soils that consistently produce the most expressive and mineral Chenin on this land. The farm sits at the head of the Slanghoek Valley in the Breedekloof Wine District, cradled between the Slanghoek Mountains to the west and the Badsberg Mountains to the east. Annual rainfall of 1,350mm, mountain breezes and a slow Mediterranean growing season give these alluvial vineyards a freshness and depth that winemaker Attie Louw has spent his career coaxing into the glass.

In the Cellar

Following hand harvesting, the fruit is pressed gently and the juice undergoes a natural fermentation initiated by indigenous yeasts. After primary fermentation, the wine spends six months in old French oak barrels — large-format seasoned wood that adds creamy texture and subtle complexity without imposing oak flavour on the fruit. No malolactic fermentation is performed, keeping the natural acidity bright and precise. Light filtration and minimal sulphur before bottling. This is the estate-level introduction to a winemaking philosophy that has earned Opstal’s heritage Chenin Blancs multiple Platter 5-star ratings.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Pale straw-gold with bright, clean highlights.
Nose: Attractive aromas of pineapple, ripe pear and fresh citrus, with a subtle spice note from old oak contact and a hint of brioche from extended lees ageing.
Palate: Dry and well-balanced, with a zippy freshness on entry and a creamy, rounded mid-palate from six months on lees in old oak. Pineapple and stone fruit carry through with lovely aromatic persistence.
Finish: Fresh, lingering and mineral — the Slanghoek River alluvial character comes through in the final moments.

Food Pairing

A natural partner for braai chicken, pork belly or grilled linefish with lemon butter. Equally at home alongside a Cape Malay curry, soft cheeses or a creamy pasta. The combination of freshness and old-oak texture makes it one of the more versatile whites on the Vinty range. Serve at 10–12 °C.

Technical Details

Our Guarantee

Every bottle from the Opstal estate range is backed by our 100% Happiness Assured! Guarantee. If you’re not completely satisfied, we’ll make it right — no questions, no fuss. Just good wine from good people.