Southernmost Chenin in Africa
I like the odd glass of Chenin blanc, the Boss’s favourite tipple is our Estate Sauvignon blanc. So, sometime back we planted a block of Chenin blanc, to see what would happen.
An extract from our April 2025 newsletter: “As we step into April, the farm is buzzing with a mix of reflection and excitement. This past month marked a significant milestone with the maiden harvest of our Chenin blanc, grown in what is officially the Southernmost block of Chenin blanc in Africa. It’s an incredible moment for us, and we can’t wait to share the results with you in the future.”
The future has arrived: Africa’s Southernmost Chenin blanc is here!
The free run juice from hand harvested grapes was barrel fermented in 500L French Oak barrels, left on the lees for 9 months and then bottle aged.
300 cases available.
This registered Single Vineyard site was deliberately selected for its distinctive terroir, defined by predominantly ferricrete soils.
The endangered Aristea Teretifolia was discovered on Lomond during alien vegetation removal after an ecological burn. Prior to this discovery, there were only seven known populations, three of which are considered extinct. Each population has about fifty flowers. Read the story of the flower after which our new Chenin is named on our blog.
The Boss (that’s my wife Jenny) is very pleased.
Cheers,
Geoff
Vineyard update from our Cellarmaster
The time has come to pack away the warm blankets and winter comforts until next year. With temperatures beginning to rise, our vineyards have awakened from their winter slumber. Buds are stirring, new growth is emerging.
Another growing season has begun at Lomond, bringing with it the promise of a new vintage. Budding arrived earlier than usual this year, and our young vines are showing an eagerness to grow that would warm any viticulturist’s heart.
With each passing day, tiny shoots are stretching towards the spring sunshine, transforming the dormant vines into a sea of fresh green. It is still early days, but already we can see the first signs of the 2027 harvest taking shape, an exciting glimpse to what’s to come!
Anné
Replanting
Following the exceptional 2025 vintage of our first experimental Chenin blanc block, we are expanding our Chenin plantings alongside more Syrah, while also trialling Chardonnay and Grenache.
With 18 different soil types across the farm, each cultivar and clone must be carefully matched to the site using factors such as soil, solar radiation, sun hours, aspect and slope steepness.
Once the right varieties and clones have been selected, the labour-intensive process of replanting begins.
From our Viticulturist,
Henk
Until next month – we always welcome your feedback, so please contact us at office@lomond.co.za or 021 388 0095 if you have any questions or queries.
Follow us on social media for news from the farm and exclusive loyalty offers @lomondwine or simply join the Lomond Cellar Club to take advantage of discounted pricing and learn about releases of our new vintages.
Look out for your next update in November.
Cheers,
The Lomond Team