This lively Riesling from Elgin’s rocky, slate-rich vineyards bursts with zesty lime freshness and bright citrus aromas. It’s got a modest alcohol level and a nice balance of natural sweetness and acidity, making it super approachable yet intense. With notes of melon, white pear, and a hint of flint, it’s a fresh and vibrant wine that pairs perfectly with salads, cheeses, or Asian dishes with a touch of spice. Plus, its name “Chi” pays homage to an African rain god, adding a bit of spiritual energy to every sip.

Jancis Robinson | JR 16.5
Published: Oct 24, 2022
Drink: 2022-2025

Spontaneous fermentation in tank. RS 11.5 g/l.
Intense limey freshness on the nose and the palate. Super-fresh with rich fruit at modest alcohol. Straightforward in character but pretty intense.

Saurwein.co.za

Grape origin:
60% of the blend's fruit comes from Casey's Ridge Vineyard, Elgin on loamy and very rocky red slate soils. (Riesling clones WR110F and vineyard was planted 2011.) 
The other 40% of the blend De Rust Vineyard, Elgin on decomposed Bokkeveld Shale. (Riesling clones 110 & 239 and vineyard was planted 2006.)

Vintage 2021:
2021 was a good vintage with a long cool late ripening 
Keywords for this vintage: mid palate fullness, terpene aromas

Winemaking:
Grapes were hand-picked, cooled, then hand-sorted, destemmed and pressed. Spontaneous fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks, which lasted about 6 weeks until optimal residual sugar balance achieved at about 11,5 g/ l. The wine was prepared for bottling and bottled after 3 months in tank and released after another 3 months in bottle. 

Experience:
Fragrant citrus blossom, green melon, Yellow stone fruits, white pear, ginger,?Pina colada, honey suckle, flint, cool earth 

The story:
Chi means life force and Chi stands for CHIUTA (an African rain god). 
Situated in the fertile Elgin valley, the picturesque vineyard site inspired?the creation of this crisp, handcrafted Riesling.

If you like ? Ideal Cuisine:
Salads | cheeses | Asian-style dishes with a bit of spice/sweetness 

May the Chi be with you.

Technical Specs

Alcohol: 11.5% ABV
Closure: Natural cork
Harvest: 2021
Oak: No oak ageing; spontaneously fermented in stainless steel tanks and matured for 3 months in tank, followed by 3 months in bottle before release
Varietals: 100% Riesling
Farming: Sustainable farming certification not confirmed
Vineyard Area: 60% Casey's Ridge Vineyard, Elgin, on loamy, rocky red slate soils, planted in 2011 with Riesling clone WR110F; 40% De Rust Vineyard, Elgin, on decomposed Bokkeveld shale, planted in 2006 with Riesling clones 110 and 239
Vinification: Crafted by Jessica Saurwein from hand-picked Riesling grapes sourced from two cool-climate vineyard sites in Elgin. The grapes are cooled, hand-sorted, destemmed and pressed before spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel tanks for approximately six weeks, until the desired balance of residual sugar and acidity is achieved. The wine displays fragrant aromas of citrus blossom, green melon, yellow stone fruits, white pear, ginger, pineapple, honeysuckle, flint and cool earth. The palate is fresh, floral and fruit-driven, with a rounded mid-palate, vibrant acidity and a precise, mineral finish. Residual sugar: 11.5 g/L; total acidity: 7.4 g/L.
Winemaker: Jessica Saurwein
Region: Elgin, Cape South Coast, Western Cape, South Africa

Serving Temperature: 8–10°C
Decanting: Not required; serve chilled
Food Pairing: Fresh salads, seafood, grilled prawns, goat's cheese, sushi and Asian-inspired vegetarian or meat dishes with a touch of spice or sweetness.