Tasting Notes

Chenin Blanc wine has a rich history dating back centuries and across numerous regions in Europe. It is believed to have originated in France’s Loire Valley in the 9th century. The grape was later planted in the Touraine region of France and later exported to Sicily and South Africa. Today it is one of the most versatile and expressive white grapes with it’s signature high acidity, orchard fruit flavours, waxy texture and minerality. It can range from dry to sweet style wines.

🎯 Overall Character - Chenin Blanc - Dry style is best described light to medium body wine with crisp, refreshing acidity and flavours of green apple, pear, citrus aromas and a degree of minerality. Chenin Blanc - Sweet style is best described as having richer flavours of ripe pear, ginger, mango, passion fruit and honeycomb.

🌼 On the Nose (Aromatics) - Chenin Blanc presents vivid primary aromas of Orchard fruit of green apple and pear, Citrus aromas of lemon, lime, and mandarin as well as stone fruit aromas of white peach and apricot. The wine has floral notes of chamomile, honeysuckle and jasmine and has subtle mineral notes of chalk and lanolin (a classic Chenin Blanc signature). Secondary aromas exhibited is brioche and dough (due to lees contact) and vanilla and spice if the wine is oak aged. Chenin Blanc can be produced in a sweeter style wine. This is done using a process called Botrytis; a fungus that concentrates the acids, sugars and flavours of the grape producing sweeter wines. In these styles, you will find aromas of honey, dried apricot and ginger.

🍷 On the Palate - light to medium body wine with high, crisp acidity and alcohol levels of 12.5-14.5% ABV. Chenin Blancs from France typically have lower alcohol and higher acidity compared to Chenin Blanc produced in warmer climates such as South Africa. The flavours are straightforward with notes of green apple, pear and citrus with some minerality. Off dry and sweet styles have flavours of ripe peach, melon, apricot, pineapple, and honey citrus. The Dry styles are crisp with straightforward flavours vs. the creamy, waxy notes you will find in the sweet style wines.

🕰️ Aging Profile - Chenin Blanc can be aged up to 7 years. Quality wines with higher acidity can age for 12+ years. As the wine ages, honey and nutty notes begin to develop.