Boschendal, 'Rachelsfontein Chenin Blanc', 2026, Coastal Region (WO)

'One-Liner'
Generous, fruit-filled Cape Chenin – white guava, peach and pineapple with fresh citrus, a touch of honey and a softly rounded finish.

Tasting Note
Pale gold in the glass, with an immediately inviting nose of white guava, ripe peach and pineapple lifted by fresh citrus. The palate is juicy and generous, combining tropical fruit with yellow stone fruit and a subtle honeyed note. Bright acidity keeps the wine lively, while time on the fine lees lends a gently rounded, almost creamy texture through the middle. There is plenty of ripeness here, but the citrus freshness prevents it from becoming heavy. Long and easy-going on the finish, with peach, pineapple and a clean citrus edge lingering behind.

Country: South Africa
Region: Western Cape
Sub-Region: Coastal Region WO
Grape(s): 100% Chenin Blanc
ABV: 13.5%
Friendly: Vegan, Vegetarian, Sustainable

Awards & Critics' Scores
De Grote Hamersma – 8+

The Story
Boschendal’s roots stretch back to 1685, making it one of the historic names of the Cape Winelands. Rachelsfontein sits within the estate’s fruit-driven Classics range and takes its name from one of the old farms that became part of the wider Boschendal property. Chenin Blanc is given the starring role here, producing a broader, riper expression of the grape than the leanest Cape examples, with guava, peach and pineapple balanced by plenty of citrus freshness. That balance between generosity and brightness fits neatly with Boschendal’s wider philosophy of making expressive wines while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and regenerative farming.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Grilled sardines with lemon and parsley
- Vegetarian: Fennel and ricotta tart with a lemon-dressed salad
- Vegan: Fennel, courgette and lemon risotto