White 2025

Tembela White 2025 is a pure Chenin Blanc from winemaker Banele Vakele, one of the Capes increasingly prominent independent producers. Tembela, an isiXhosa word associated with faith, hope and belief was named in honour of Vakeles late mother. After years working alongside Duncan Savage, Vakele has developed a style centred on site expression, spontaneous fermentation and minimal intervention.

The 2025 is sourced from old-vine Chenin parcels in Stellenbosch and Darling, with Vakele seeking mature, concentrated fruit while retaining freshness and energy. The resulting wine is beautifully aromatic and layered: floral and citrus-driven at first, followed by ripe stone fruit, subtle creaminess and a gently saline, savoury character.

There's real texture here, but it never becomes heavy. Oak maturation sits quietly in the background, contributing breadth rather than obvious wood character. It's a particularly polished expression of modern Cape Chenin Blanc and a wine capable of developing further in bottle. Tasting Notes Colour: Bright straw gold with youthful clarity.

Nose: Fragrant and detailed, with orange blossom, fresh flowers and lemongrass alongside yellow stone fruit, grapefruit and a subtle chalky mineral character. Palate: Generous yet controlled, with ripe peach and citrus fruit over a smooth, lightly creamy texture. Fresh acidity and a subtle saline quality provide tension, while restrained oak maturation contributes additional depth and roundness.

Finish: Long and clean, carrying candied lemon, orange zest and a lingering savoury-mineral note. Technical Details Producer: Tembela WinesWinemaker: Banele VakeleCountry: South AfricaVintage: 2025Wine Type: Dry White WineGrape Variety: Chenin BlancVineyard Sources: Stellenbosch & Darling old-vine parcels Winemaking Philosophy: Spontaneous fermentation / minimal intervention Bottle Size: 750ml