2020 Zevenwacht Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc

A clear bright wine with hints of lime and gold. The nose has aromas of apricot, yellow peach and quince that follow through onto the palate with undertones of pineapple and citrus. the creamy texture of the palate is supported by subtle oak flavours and a minerality that is underpinned with bright and juicy acidity.

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Viticulture

This wine is made from unirrigated 39 year old Chenin vines planted in 1981. The vines are South West to West facing and are grown in decomposed granite soils high up on the farm at 300m above sea level.

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Vinification

The grapes are whole bunch pressed and cold settled overnight, after which the juice was racked to barrel and a concrete egg for fermentation. Regular lees stirring was done for the first three months to add extra palate weight and creaminess to the wine. The wine remained on the gross lees for 9 months before being racked and blended for bottling with the final blend having 10% concrete egg. 10% New French oak, 20% second fill and 60% in third and fourth fill barrels.

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Recommendation

Delectable with fish and shellfish, poultry and dishes with creamy sauces. A versatile wine. Chenin is a wine that develops and deepens both in colour and aroma over time. As such it rewards extra complexity with age, while offering up-front fruit and freshness in its youth.