Franschhoek Rickety Bridge Chenin Blanc

Rickety Bridge is a historic estate in the Franschhoek Valley, a region with winemaking roots dating back to the 17th century when French Huguenots settled in the area originally known as Oliphantshoek. The estate itself was once part of the original La Provence farm granted in 1694 and was later granted to the widow Paulina De Villiers in 1797, making her one of South Africa’s first female landowners. The name Rickety Bridge was adopted in the late 1980s, inspired by the old railway sleeper bridge that served as the sole crossing over the Franschhoek River to the property. Today, the estate rests against the slopes of the Dassenberg Mountain, preserving its centuries-old legacy while evolving into a modern benchmark for South African viticulture.

The unique terroir of the estate is shaped by its position between the Franschhoek River and the mountain slopes, featuring a diverse composition of sandy alluvial soils and decomposed granite. These well-drained soils, combined with a warm Mediterranean climate moderated by mountain shadows and cool southerly winds, encourage deep root growth and concentrated fruit flavors. Rickety Bridge follows a winemaking philosophy of minimal intervention and a gentle approach, utilizing hand-harvested grapes and a blend of traditional and innovative techniques. By fermenting in a variety of vessels—including concrete eggs and French oak—they aim to reveal the natural purity and character of each vintage, reflecting the sovereign identity of the Franschhoek "kingdom."