Spier's Johan Jordaan Named Global Chenin Blanc Master

Most winemakers would say that all grape varieties are equal – but the truth is some are indeed “more equal” than others. Spier's winemaker Johan Jordaan, a true magician with every varietal, showcases his skills particularly with the versatile Chenin Blanc. With his mastery over this golden grape, he has garnered international recognition.

Recently, Jordaan was honored in Paris as a Chenin Blanc Master Winemaker. This accolade follows outstanding ratings for three Spier Chenin Blanc wines in the The Global Wine Masters competition. The Spier Good Natured Chenin Blanc 2023 and Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2022 were both awarded the highest accolade as Master Gold, while the Seaward Chenin Blanc 2023 received a Silver.

Mastery of South Africa's Traditional Grape

This prestigious award places Spier in an exclusive league, aligning the winery with the best producers worldwide. Jordaan is now one of the few South African winemakers included in this year’s Master Winemaker 100, alongside Bruce Jack (Bruce Jack Wines) and Daniela Jansen (Saronsberg Cellar).

This success holds special significance as Chenin Blanc is regarded as South Africa's white heritage grape. It has been cultivated in the Cape since the 17th century, with the first records dating back to 1655. Today, Chenin Blanc is the most widely planted grape variety in the country, accounting for 18.4% of the national vineyard area.

A Team Effort

“Chenin Blanc is a wine built in layers,” explains Jordaan, who grew up among the vineyards of the Western Cape. “For winemakers, this varietal is a dream, but it requires attention and a deep understanding of the vineyards. This recognition belongs to our entire team – from those who nurture the soil to those who refine our wines in the cellar.”

The versatility and quality of Spier's Chenin Blancs particularly impressed the expert jury, which consisted of Masters of Wine and leading industry experts. "South African winemakers have perfected the use of oak with Chenin Blanc and create wines where the wood complements the aromas, fills the palate, and extends the finish," emphasized the judges. The wines underwent strict blind tastings to ensure absolute objectivity.

The True Reward

This award builds on Spier's 333-year history of winemaking and affirms the winery's commitment to sustainable farming practices. "Good wine starts with good soil," says Jordaan. "Our approach to Chenin Blanc – as with everything at Spier – begins with caring for nature. These awards show us that we are on the right path.”

The Master Winemaker 100 competition, now in its twelfth year, is considered one of the strictest and most prestigious awards in the wine industry. Unlike traditional wine competitions, the Global Wine Masters Series employs a unique evaluation approach: wines are blindly judged by an elite jury of Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, and leading wine buyers, focusing solely on style and quality – irrespective of provenance or winery reputation.

To qualify for the Master Winemaker 100, producers must first win Master Medals in these demanding competitions – a true testament to consistent excellence.

Yet Johan Jordaan remains humble: "Naturally, we are pleased with this recognition, but our true reward lies in people enjoying our wines, sharing them with friends, and creating their own memories."