It’s South Africa’s most-planted grape variety yet all too often, it gets overlooked in the general mania for the ‘other’ Blanc – Sauvignon. Which is such a mistake, because Chenin is far more versatile and interesting than Sauvignon in lots of ways, as well as being generally cheaper and far less acidic and aggressive. Here are a few examples of different ways you can swig your Chenin this holiday season.
Kleine Zalze Cellar Selection Chenin Blanc 2014 R41 from retailers
When Allan Mullins, Cape Wine Master, Lord of Wine at Woolworths and all-round wine hero of so many of us declares that this is the wine most often found in his fridge, you’d better sit up and listen. This is an unwooded Chenin made in a crisp, zesty and fresh style with just enough body to make it a great food partner without being too rich. Follow Allan’s advice – buy a case!
Boland Cellar Reserve No. 1 Chenin Blanc 2014 R59.95 from specialist retailers
This is a new release and replaces the wooded version which I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed when I tasted it for the Platter Guide this year! However, whether there’s wood or not – the quality of the Paarl fruit is undeniable and this is a really classy wine. Lots of depth, breadth and length but never clumsy or overpowering.
Delheim Family Chenin Blanc 2014 R105 from specialist retailers
This is also a new release into the market and I think encapsulates exactly why we should all drink more Chenin. The key to this wine is balance – it’s only very lightly-wooded so the fresh pineapples and apples still sing loudly but they’re backed up by hints of cream and toast leading to a lipsmacking finish. My kind of wine.
Delaire Graff Sunrise MCC R275 from the cellar door
This is a crémant-style wine. A what? I hear you ask! Well, ‘crémant’ is the word used for wines made in the Champagne method but from parts of France other than the Champagne region. Morné Vrey makes this from Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc – all grape varieties used in the Loire Valley to make bubblies – and it’s crisp and inviting with an interesting tropical fruit undertone.
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