Drink more Chenin Blanc
Today is Drink Chenin day and you should definitely be drinking some chenin. I know that the weather does not quite allude to chilled white wine but I will put on my sunglasses, stand outside in the rain and pretend like it is summer. Okay maybe not…
Some quick facts about chenin blanc because that’s how I roll.
It is the most widely planted varietal in South Africa, accounting for nearly one fifth of vineyards in this country. In fact, about 50% of the World’s chenin plantation is in SA and there are more of the good stuff here than in France[1,2]. The reason for that is due to its incredible versatility. It can be made into brandy, juice, sherry and of course wine! Even in terms of wine, chenin can make anything from a dry light white to a sweet noble late harvest with a small detour via sparkling wine. All that can be quite confusing for the consumer but at the same time, it means that there is bound to be a chenin that you will like!
Initially, chenin was planted for its high yields and it was all about churning out low-cost low-quality grapes. A handful of producers though realised chenin’s potential and took matters in their own hands. It would no longer be just a cheap filler while other grapes steal the spotlight. Notably, Ken Forrester demonstrated that chenin can make as good a wine (if not better) than any other grapes. The “King of Chenin” makes an affordable easy drinking beverage (Petit chenin blanc) all the way to a heavy, wooded, complex and age-worthy wine(The FMC). He also makes a Noble Late Harvest that will hsatisfy your sweet tooth.
This full array of styles also translates into a spread in price point. An easy drinking entry level chenin will cost about R55 (yay student budget!) but be prepared to spend 300+ for more premium bottles. For R55, don’t expect to be writing serennades about it. They are also generally unwooded. However, they go down without any problem and are my poison of choice for a chilled relax summer(cough) afternoon. If you are looking to spend some more moola, chenin can be as heavy a hitter as Mike Tyson in his prime: full bodied with a lingering finish. Ken Forrester served me the FMC after the Gypsy, which is a full bodied syrah-based blend. That white wine still shined through without a problem.
I almost forgot, what does chenin tastes like? For me, its marked characteristics would be “easy drinking” but that is not really a tasting note. Expect lively tropical fruits, think papaya or guava and stone fruits. Perhaps some melon too . You got it, fruity is the common denominator. Chenin is generally medium to high in acid, although lower than your sauvignon blanc. Wooded, the wine gains in weight and body. The wood provides butteriness and notes of honey.The fruit characteristics also evolve and turn into dried raisinated fruits. If you need more convincing, head over to wine folly.
Here is a list of my favourites that will definitely not break the bank.
- Ken Forrester Petit R55
- Kleine Zalze Cellar Selection Bush Vines R55
- Secateurs by Adi Badenhorst R69
The good news is you can find all those wines at your PnP! Isn’t it amazing?
Also check out the wines from the Breedekloof makers. I have a feeling that we will be hearing more from them…
References cos, I have been doing too much thesis writing.
[1] J. Robinson, J. Harding and J. Vouillamoz Wine Grapes — A complete guide to 1,368 vine varieties, including their origins and flavours pgs 82, 236–238 Allen Lane 2012 ISBN 978–1–846–14446–2
[2] @WoSA_USA
