Daughter of Perdeberg makes area's first Chenin Bubbly

Last weekend was my very dear friend, Christa von la Chevallerie's, birthday celebration.  It was her 40th and also the launch of her first wine and life long dream.  Now, Christa is a legend in her own right.  She is a winemaker and consultant by trade who also has the added job of running her family farm in the Perdeberg single handedly.  So, after a day in the office she comes home to feed the cows, horses, inspect the vineyards and play with her two dogs before she can call it a day.  This woman's diligence is inspirational! 

For as long as I've known Christa, she has been toiling with the idea of making a bubbly from their old bush vine Chenin Blanc vineyards on Nuwedam.  Last year, with the support of her sister and mother, she took the plunge and made the first bottles.  She aptly named the wine FILIA (meaning 'daughter'), a tribute to the memory of her father who planted the vines in 1976. 

Christa hosted a proper 'opskop' in Nuwedam's Shed

Me, Rosa and Nuschka marvelling at the sun set.

The Filia 2011 is a fine and delicate Brut with an array of flavours ranging from green apple and white flowers to notes of sweet pineapple and zesty grapefruit on the palate.  Beautiful and lively, with a fresh clean finish.  Yields around 850kg/ha ensures ample consentration.  Only 300 bottles were produced in 2011. 

Christa called on the expertise of my favourite designers, Fanakalo, to create her label.  The wording is all done in Afrikaans - also a first I believe.  Even the neck tag bears the words 'Kap Klassiek' instead of Cap Classique.  My favourite line on the back label reads "Hieridie vonkelwijn moet geniet word voor dit beter raak met veroudering" This wine must be enjoyed before it improves with maturation - very tongue in cheek.

For more information or to order your bottle of Filia 2011, please email Christa at christa@chevallerie.co.za