Chenin Blanc

Region: South Africa, Paarl

Grape Variety: Chenin Blanc

Background: The cellar’s signature variety, Chenin Blanc, is sourced from old vineyard blocks of bush-vines from the northern Paardeberg region where small yields are harvested in mid to late February from partially water-stressed vines. The shale and granite soils play an important role in imparting structure and minerality to this complex wine. These old vines are well adapted and fairly resistant to strong winds and hot conditions.

Tasting Notes: Tropical peach and apricot pungency. The palate packs still more of a peachy punch with a creamy texture too. Somewhat fuller bodied than most, there’s a pineapple acid tang to it too. Well made with good length. This wine shows exceptional Chenin Blanc expression and elegance in a ripe and complex style. The seamless harmony of ripe melons and stone fruit with hints of tropical flavours blend together with creamy ripe textures, creating a wine of distinction and elegance.

Food Pairing: Pair with Thai food or fish dishes such as pan fried seabass or hake.

Awards:

Mundus Vini Summer Tasting 2022 - Silver

Region: South Africa, Paarl

Grape Variety: Chenin Blanc

Tasting Notes: This is a typical fresh, crisp, fruity style of wine that is masterfully blended from Chenin Blanc grapes ripened in different climate conditions. Presenting layers of lime, citrus and fresh guava aromas.

Food Pairing: Pairs well with shellfish, spicy dishes, lean fish and mild and soft cheese.

Region: France, Loire Valley

Grape Variety: Chenin Blanc

Winemaking Process: Marc Bredif Vouvray undergoes temperature controlled fermentation to retain its fresh structure and aromatic ifinish and is then matured on its lees for a further 6 months.

Tasting Notes: Pale gold colour with green reflections. Intense nose with notes of yellow fruits such as pear and apricot. Some hints of lemon and amyl reminiscent of bananda. On swirling, notes of citrus and exotic fruits. Fresh attack presenting a good balance between sweetness and aciditiy. A nice length on aromas of exotic fruits like pineapple.

Food Pairing: Pairs well with creamy pork or chicken dishes, port pastas with fish or vegetables.

Region: South Africa, Tulbagh

Grape Variety: Chenin Blanc

Winemaking Process: Grapes were night harvested and picked by hand to retain flavours. Grapes were gently crushed and pressed. Wine was cold fermented to show freshness and fruit, but kept on the lees for 11 months to give the wine a creamy mouth-feel. 25% of barrel-fermented wine was blended with the tank-fermented portion (75%) to add a wooded dimension.

Tasting Notes: Stone fruit aromas dominate the nose with hints of citrus, quinmce and pine nut. A beautiful bouquet of lime, grapefruit and Granny Smith Apples. The palate is perfectly balanced with a layered, creamy palate of orange, white peaches and tropical fruit. Excellent ageing potential and superb versatility with a wide variety of dishes complete this irresistible package. The subtle use of oak helps to uplift the fruity characters of this versatile cultivar.

Food Pairing: It pairs wondergully with seafood dishes like seared scallops or grilled white fish, as well as with poultry and pork that have creamy or fruity sauces.

Region: South Africa, Tulbagh

Grape Variety: Chenin Blanc

Winemaking Process: Grapes were night harvested and picked by hand to retain flavours. Grapes were gently crushed and pressed. This wine was fermented in 40% new, 40% 2nd fill and 20% 3rd fill 300 litre French oak barrels. This wine was 80% naturally fermented. A maturation period of 12 months was needed before this wine could be racked and blended.

Tasting Notes: Golden hued colour. Attractive complex nose with aromas of ripe melon and grapefruit, with a honey undertone. Golden hued and full bodied. This beautifully made wine has an attractive nose with combinations of tropical and yellow fruit aromas with nuances of cashew nuts. These flavours are supported on the palate by a delicate use of oak that allows the true cultivar characteristics to shine. It has a long lingering finish that exits the palate screaming for more.

Food Pairing: It pairs well with rich dishes like grilled fish, poultry with creamy sauces and spicy Asian cuisine making it a versatile food-friendly wine.

The Trophy Wine Show 2014 - Gold

Region: South Africa, Tulbagh

Grape Variety: Chenin Blanc

Winemaking Process: Grapes were night harvested and picked by hand to retain flavours. Grapes were gently crushed and pressed. 30% of the wine was cold fermented in tank to retain freshness and fruit, and 70% was fermented in French and Hungarian 300 litre barrels. 40% was fermented with natural yeast. The wine was then aged for 11 months, blended and then bottled.

Tasting Notes: Elegance, finesse, complexity and concentration of fruit – full bodied. This wine has intense yellow fruit aromas of peach, nectarines and orange blossoms. These aromas carry through onto a creamy palate that finishes with a lively acidity with hints of ginger and a leesy complexity. Excellent ageing potential and superb versatility with a wide variety of dishes complete this irresistible package.

Food Pairing: This wine would pair beautifully with rich seafood dishes, creamy cheeses and spicy Asian cuisine. Its aciditiy and depth of flavour also make it an excellent match for a variety of poultry and pork dishes.

Veritas 2003 - Double Gold