SHENK or SKENK… However you choose to pronounce it, the Schenkfontein cellar in Eendekuil – 30km outside Piketberg off the N7, about a two-hour drive from Cape Town – is not familiar to many wine lovers outside the Swartland. The first certified bottlings from the farm of Hennie Hanekom and his family came onto the market in 2014, but it was only at the end of 2023 that their first really serious wine was released – the 2021 vintage of Schenkfontein Stofjas, a white blend on the radar of many a connoisseur following the 2024 Trophy Wine Show where it was judged best in class. And what a quaint story behind the name of this gem!
Back in the day, Master Schenk was a teacher who travelled through the region, educating the children how to read and write. Stofjas was the name of the donkey that pulled his carriage from farm to farm. As winemaker Jurgen Siebritz explained: “The donkey is always the hard-working one in the background… We thought it fitting to give Stofjas the recognition he deserves in naming the very first premium wine offering of Schenkfontein after him.”
Schenkfontein is not yet open to the public. They hope to be more welcoming at the farm in the not-too-distant future, but for the time being all sales are through the Winkelshoek cellar in Piketberg.
SCHENKFONTEIN STOFJAS 2021
WO Swartland. White Blend of Grenache Blanc (35%), Verdelho (30%), Sauvignon Blanc (20%), Marsanne (10%) and Chenin Blanc (5%). Fermented and aged separately in 600L French oak barrels (medium toast) for up to 11 months before blending. 18 months in bottle before labelling and release onto the market.
Alc 12.9 | RS 1.2 | TA 5.3 | pH 3.3
Producers' Tasting Notes: The aromas are very evolving… You will experience something new with every sniff. And the aromas follow through on the palate – medium body, crisp acidity, very well balanced oak, fruit and floral perfume flavours. A long, mineral finish.
Pairing Suggestions: Roasted chicken, grilled pork, mushroom risotto, semi-hard cheeses like Gruyère or Emmental (or less creamy goat's milk cheese), and mildly spicy Asian dishes like Thai or Vietnamese.
R575pb.
