(2023) South Africa's most planted white wine grape, Chenin Blanc, is being treated many different ways by the Cape's winemakers. In this case, barrel fermentation and ageing in French oak and fermentation with wild yeasts gives a rich, intense rendition of the variety. There is so much creamy, nutty, toasty oak, but alongside that are very ethereal floral and exotic notes, plus peachy fruit, giving a quite complex aromatic appeal. In the mouth the wine is powerful, with 14% alcohol, and a concentrated palate that is limey and intense, the nutty and buttery oak set against fruit and adequate acidity to balance. Watch the video for more information and food-matching ideas.
