South African Chenin Blanc had a moment at this year’s Decanter World Wine Awards. Fifteen gold medals. That’s not a fluke. That’s a statement.
Judges noted remarkable quality across multiple price points, from everyday wines to premium single-vineyard bottlings. Old-vine Chenin plantings, some dating back 50 years or more, produced particularly impressive results. There’s something about those ancient vines that adds depth and complexity you can’t fake.
The success builds on years of investment in vineyard management and winemaking facilities. A new generation of South African winemakers trained internationally has elevated quality standards throughout the industry. They took what they learned in Burgundy and California and Oregon, then applied those skills to grapes that have been growing in the Cape for generations.
This marks a turning point for South African wine credibility on the world stage. For too long, the Cape was associated with bulk production and value-focused exports. These awards signal something different: serious wines that compete with the best from anywhere.
I’ve been quietly building a small collection of South African Chenin over the past couple years. The best bottles show this honeyed richness balanced by bright acidity, with flavors that range from fresh citrus to tropical fruits to almost waxy, lanolin-like notes on the aged examples. Incredibly versatile with food too. If you haven’t explored what the Cape is doing with Chenin lately, you’re missing out on some of the best value in white wine right now.
