Stellenbosch
Radford Dale
Radford Dale Vinum Chenin Blanc
MandarinYellow PeachFresh PearLively Acidity
Details
Variety
Chenin Blanc
Style
White
Region
Stellenbosch
Appellation
Elgin
Producer
Radford Dale
Country
South Africa
Trade Materials
The Inspiration
Chenin Blanc sits at the heart of Radford Dale's story. Long before the variety enjoyed its modern renaissance, the team was committed to showing what Stellenbosch Chenin could achieve when vineyard character was placed ahead of winemaking showmanship. Vinum carries that philosophy into an accessible expression of the variety, drawing on several Stellenbosch sites, including core fruit from a 1969 Old Vine block that also goes into Radford Dale's flagship Chenin Blanc.
The wine brings together fruit from southern Stellenbosch, the Helderberg and Polkadraai Hills, with maturation predominantly in older barrels alongside a portion in larger-format foudre. The intention is not overt oak character, but texture, freshness and transparency: pear and stone fruit layered with citrus, mineral tension and a dry, persistent finish. Critics have similarly highlighted its combination of precise fruit, chalky freshness, textural grip and restrained oak influence. In line with Radford Dale's increasing focus on sustainable business practices, all the Vinum wines are bottled in eco-friendly, lightweight glass (396 g) with recyclable screw caps.
About Radford Dale
All About Individuality
"All About Individuality" defines Radford Dale. Founder Alex Dale arrived in South Africa from Burgundy in 1994, bringing a deep understanding of French wine tradition, but an equally strong belief in South Africa's ability to forge its own identity in the new South Africa. Since co-founding Radford Dale in 1998, that balance of classical expertise, independent thinking and distinctly South African expression has shaped the wines to become a benchmark of its own.
People are at the core of Radford Dale with a strong female team, international expertise and impactful upliftment in the communities they work in. Winemaker Petroné Thomas leads a talented cellar team, working with a light touch and a holistic philosophy that connects vineyard, cellar, people and place. Organic and regenerative farming, minimal-intervention winemaking and a willingness to challenge convention result in wines defined by freshness, elegance and individuality.
Being a co-founder of the Certified Organic Wines of South Africa, sustainability has an encompassed meaning for them that runs much deeper than just farming. Radford Dale's Sustainability Charter encompasses environmental responsibility, ethical employment and traceable social impact such as the Land of Hope Education Trust which directs 50% of profit from its namesake range towards education for employees and their dependants.
Their wines are proudly site-driven, unmanipulated and balanced - because they believe that South African wines should reflect their natural environment, vintage and distinct terroirs. Made using natural yeast fermentations, low or no adjustments, minimal usage of new oak resulting in restrained alcohols and healthy natural acidities, both hallmarks of elegant and refreshing wines, with balance the ultimate purpose.
From their long-standing focus on Chenin Blanc to exploring Gamay's impressive potential in Stellenbosch and Elgin, Radford Dale continues to push South African wine forward with passion, contagious energy and undeniable South African spirit.
