These days, even the golfer, Ernie Els, has a vineyard producing wine from Chenin Blanc grapes. As a result, they have a number of vineyards which are able to produce excellent wine from their “old bush vines”. Initially, the grape was used as the primary ingredient in their numerous, large, brandy production facilities.Īfter nearly 400 years of practice, South Africa is now producing top quality examples of these wines and there are more Chenin Blanc vines in South Africa than in the rest of the world combined. While the Loire Valley may be Chenin’s stomping grounds, South Africa grows more of this grape than any other country. It was introduced there around 1655 and it is mostly found in the Stellenbosch and Swartland regions. The Quarts de Chaume and Bonnezeaux appellations especially are known for their dessert wines with near limitless aging potential. These are selected for the sweeter wines. As the season prolongs, remaining clusters gain higher sugar levels and some become affected by noble rot. The less ripe grapes have more acid and are a perfect base for making sparkling wine. The grape ripens quite unevenly, and often requires strict hand harvesting to ensure quality. The perfect wine for every occasion.As the name suggests, this white grape is of French origin and has been a fixture in the Loire Valley since the ninth century. Pairs with s alads, seafood, chicken and other light dishes. The wines was left on the fermentation lees until bottling.Ī crisp, fresh and fruity Chenin Blanc from low-yield dryland bushvines. Only the first 450 litres free-run juice per ton were fermented in stainless steel tanks at a cold temperature (10-12☌) for 21 days. The grapes were destalked and lightly crushed. The grapes were harvest by hand at 22.1☋. The vineyard grows on weathered granite soils, contributing to the flavor of the grapes and mineral character of the wine. The Chenin Blanc grapes were picked from very old dryland bushvine vineyards. Predominantly low-yield dryland bushvines are selected to produce these excellent wines with distinctive character. Wines including Chenin Blanc crafted in South Africa and other parts of the globe tend to have sweet fruit aromas, including flavors of banana or guava.īabylons Peak Chenin Blanc is made from 100 percent Chenin Blanc.īabylon's Peak winery, situated on the highest weathered granite slopes of the Paardeberg Mountain, is privately owned by the Basson family who has passed down the tradition, passion and art of winemaking over four generations. Sweeter types of the Chenin blanc wines are great with rich dishes or with heavy and rich foods, including pate or sauces that are typically creamy. Dry versions of the wine pair well with fresh and light dishes, such as fish or salads. Sparkling wines are often created with Chenin blanc grapes and pairs very nicely with food. If the Chenin Blanc is grown in a cool region, it can create a sweeter wine. Chenin Blanc is typically ripe and ready to harvest late in the year, however, the buds on the vine grow early. Chenin Blanc creates strong dessert wines that typically need to mature and age. Soils that contain high clay levels are typically great locations to plant the variety. The Chenin blanc variety is said to have its roots in the Anjou wine region during the ninth century and was then introduced in the region of Touraine centuries later. It is said that Jan van Riebeeck first grew the variety in the country. In South Africa, Chenin Blanc is the most grown grape type in the region. Chenin Blanc produces wines high in acidity and can be used to create sparkling wines, or dessert wines. Chenin blanc is a white wine grape variety, and is also known by the term "Pineau de la Loire". Chenin Blanc is from the heart of the French Loire Valley.
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