Chenin Blanc is now South Africa’s signature white grape but it wasn’t always that way. In fact, it wasn’t that long ago that Chenin Blanc was primarily used for low-quality, bulk wine. As the wine industry in South Africa re-emerged on to the world scene, many vineyards were ripping out Chenin Blanc in place of more well-known grapes.
However, Alex Dale, the master winemaker behind the Winery of Good Hope, and several other winemakers saw the potential for the disgraced grape and attempted to make something great out of it. In so doing, they helped to forge a new signature grape for South Africa.
This wine is actually made from old bush vines – vines that were prevented from being ripped out and are some of the relatively few remaining old vines containing Chenin Blanc in the country. This stunner is a wonderfully lively, intense, fruity and beautifully balanced dry Chenin Blanc. Aromas of green apples and white peach invite the juicy, yet taut palate. Depth of fruit is what sets this wine apart. It shows great persistence of flavor and freshness that lingers on the palate long after the wine has gone. Very individual, the character of this wine makes it a perfect companion to warm summer days and long balmy evenings.
