Synonym Chenin Blanc 2025

Release Date: November 2025

ABOUT THE WINE
Synonym is the new name for our Gabriëlskloof Chenin Blanc, part of the Gabriëlskloof Range. We chose this name because Chenin Blanc is synonymous with South African wine—it's our country in a glass. Whilst crafted with the same attention to detail as our Landscape Series, Synonym is designed to be approachable and enjoyed upon release, showing the pure expression of Chenin from vineyards in Bot River, Swartland and Elgin.

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY
Nestled in the Bot River ward of Walker Bay, Gabriëlskloof embraces a minimalist winemaking philosophy. Our approach centres on letting the terroir speak through careful stewardship, intervening only when the wine demands it, and allowing each bottle to reflect our unique coastal-influenced landscape authentically.

CLIMATE & VITICULTURE
The 2025 vintage was marked by a late wet winter and ideal spring conditions, fostering vigorous vineyard growth. Challenging weather during early flowering reduced yields, concentrating the fruit. Summer arrived mild and dry before hot conditions accelerated our harvest timing.

VINIFICATION
All fruit was whole-bunch pressed and 100% wild-fermented. Half was fermented in stainless steel tanks, with the remaining half fermented in barrel. The wine spent seven months on its lees before bottling.

TASTING NOTE
A concentrated expression showing yellow citrus, green papaya, white pear and white floral notes on the nose. The palate is concentrated and weighty, with lemon curd, Granny Smith apple and loquat alongside mouth-coating honeycomb, cut through by the freshness and crunch of watermelon rind.

TECHNICAL ANALYSIS
Alcohol: 13.5% volume
Residual Sugar: 2.5 g/l
Total Acid: 6.0 g/l
pH: 3.44


FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS
Roast chicken with herbs
Pork belly with crackling
Creamy mushroom risotto
Thai green curry
Mature Cheddar
Fresh seafood