Geographica wines is the latest release from Chris Williams, the winemaker behind The Foundry wines and ex-cellarmaster at Meerlust. The Foundry wines have always focused on vineyards outside Stellenbosch, where Geographica is showcasing two beautiful vineyards in the Stellenbosch region. With his cellar situated in the Voor Paardeberg, Chris is keeping one foot in Stellenbosch with these wines. The intention is to showcase single varieties and something distinct from special sites. Maturity of vines is as important as sticking to the winemaking philosophy of “not throwing everything at the grapes”, but rather to let the sense of place reflect.

Bonsai Chenin Blanc 2022 is from a vineyard planted in 1957 on the Helderberg slopes, facing the South Easter. The name refers to the small bush vines and small bunches produced. Fermentation is in a combination of older oak and terracotta eggs and doliums imported from Spain. The wine shows interesting aromatic fynbos and floral aromas. On the palate it is full and rich, smooth and layered with a beautiful tight finish.

From an old Chenin vineyard planted on the Helderberg mountain on decomposed granite with clay subsoil.
These bushvines yield tiny bunches with very small grapes, inspiring the name “Bonsai” Chenin Blanc.

Chris skipped the 2021 vintage of the Bonsai Chenin Blanc. The wine retains the signature Bonsai character you love. This will be the last vintage from this vineyard.

Expect vibrant aromas of ripe peach and apricot, a luxuriously viscous texture with a pleasant, grainy grip, and an overall exceptional drinking experience.