November 5, 2024
A Rare Find: Thistle & Weed's Top-Tier Chenin Blanc
96 Points from Tim Atkin MW
Tiny production coming from a 0.3-hectrare parcel
Stephanie Wiid of Thistle & Weed was named Tim Atkin MW’s Young Winemaker of the Year in 2024
Founded by Stephanie Wiid and Etienne Terblanche, the winery focuses on small-batch, terroir-driven wines that celebrate South Africa's rich viticultural diversity. Thistle & Weed’s approach combines innovative winemaking with a deep respect for nature, resulting in wines that are both expressive and distinct, embodying a true sense of place and authenticity. Stephanie Wiid of Thistle & Weed was named Tim Atkin MW’s Young Winemaker of the Year in 2024 in his South Africa 2024 report.
Our top pick from the range is the Thistle & Weed Brandnetel Chenin Blanc, sourced from a tiny 0.3-hectare single vineyard perched on the cool slopes of Simonsberg Mountain in Stellenbosch, at an altitude of 304 metres. Originally planted in 1980 as a rootstock trial with 32 different rootstocks, this unique vineyard yields a multi-layered wine with impressive tension and minerality.
Crafted from dry-farmed bush vines, Brandnetel displays a complex profile of citrus zest, quince, and subtle floral notes, balanced by bright acidity and minerality. Its harmonious structure and layered finish embody Thistle & Weed’s dedication to showcasing terroir with minimal intervention, resulting in an elegant and thought-provoking Chenin Blanc.
In the 2020 vintage Tim Atkin MW described the wine as “Not as famous as some Cape Chenins, but this is right up there with the very best of them” and we couldn’t agree more.
Coming in at €22.50 inc VAT per bottle, the Brandnetel Chenin ticks all the boxes for us with a unique terroir, tiny production and a very sensible price tag. As production is so small, we only have a very small allocation to offer on our website.
Thistle & Weed Brandnetel Chenin Blanc 2022
96 Points | Tim Atkin MW
My favourite of the superb trio of terroir-specific Chenin Blancs, Brandnetel hails from a 0.3-hectrare parcel that was planted on the Simonsberg as a rootstock trial block in 1980. Compact, concentrated, leesy and layered, it has layers of spices and lemon butter, racy acidity and a long, almost salty finish. Up there with the best of the Cape. 2024-30