Chenin Blanc (or often simply Chenin) originates in the Loire region in France. In South Africa it's also known as Steen and it is the most planted variety.
Chenin Blanc is a very versatile grape. Some Chenins are sweet and others bone dry. Still and sparkling wines are made from it. In France, Chenin Blanc has it's famous mineral flavours while in South Africa it quite often has tropical fruit flavours like guava.
This grape grows fairly easy and bares well under a lot of different climatological circumstances. The only farming problem that might appear is rot at the final ripening stage, but high acidity keeps this wine fresh and crisp.
In 2020 we introduced the FIRST South African 100% Chenin Blanc rosé. We received permission from the department of Agriculture. It's only in September 2022 that it was published and that more cellar will be allowed to make this kind of wine.
The Region: Grown and made on Mooi Bly farm in Paarl, rooted for over 40 years in decomposed granite soils.
The farm is situated on the mountain slopes underneath the Du Toit's Kloof Pass, east of Paarl Town. Chilly south eastern winds cool down the vineyards overnight and the evening sun gives a slow ripening process.
The Vinification: After hand harvesting the fully ripened grapes they were brought into the cellar in small crates. The grapes get sorted at the destemmer and then cooled down in the strainer for 5 hours to get the fresh mash at a temperature of 5 degrees before pressing. All this is done to preserve maximum flavour of the fruits.
After 2 days of settling, the juice was racked so that the fermentation could start. At a temperature of 13 degrees all sugars turned into alcohol in a period of 2 weeks and left on its lees for another extra 2 weeks. Racked after this and left on the clean lees for 4 months the fresh wine was stabilized and bottled.
The Winemakers Notes: Freshness in a glass, lime, Granny Smith apple and granadilla on the nose as well as on the pallet. In the after taste you’ll find some more tropical fruits like pineapple. This is all the result of an old vine in mineral rich soils.
The Optimal Drinkability: Enjoy fresh and crispy in summer
The Food Match: Delicate fish dishes with lime sauce, goat's cheese or crisp baked chicken.
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