Donkiesbaai Hooiwijn 2022

The Donkiesbaai Hooiwijn is a dessert wine from Chenin Blanc, produced in a peculiar little bottle. The “Hooiwijn” (“hay wine”) refers to the straw mats on which the grapes of this wine are dried, after they were picked at six different occasions (similar to the French Vin de Paille). Once the wine reaches an alcohol level of about 10%, fermentation is stopped to ensure sufficient sugar (205.5g/l) for this dessert wine.

In the glass, this wine has a syrupy consistency with a gold-yellow colour. On the nose, it offers complex notes of dried fruit, tropical fruit, honey and marmalade. It follows through well on the palate, starting off with an elegant, waxy mouthfeel. Complex notes of dried apricots, honey, pineapple, mango skin and caramel are evident against a good acidity and in great balance with the sweetness. It has a long and fresh finish.

This wine is a great wine to be served alongside desserts such as cheesecake, a cheeseboard, or crème brûlée. It is leaning towards the more expensive side, but it is worth it. It is best enjoyed chilled well in small dessert wine glasses. Only 3685 bottles of this wine were made.

Producer: Donkiesbaai

Variety: Chenin Blanc 100%

Vintage: 2022

Origin: Piekenierskloof, Western Cape, South Africa

Winemaker: Duran Cornhill

Closure: Cork

Alcohol: 10.6%

RS: 205.5g/l

Average price: R380

Rating: 89/100