Sarah Ahmed’s top South African Chenin Blancs
Pilloried in the past, South African Chenin Blanc has had a new lease of life via savvy producers who realise the traditional workhorse can make complex, high-quality wines.
Old-vine Chenin Blanc from South Africa
Delicious dry Chenin Blanc to try
Sarah Ahmed’s top South African Chenin Blanc wines:
Testalonga, El Bandito Cortez Chenin Blanc, Swartland, South Africa, 2009
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Has a flor-like, fino edge to its textured, bone-dry palate of dried herbs and lemon zest. Forceful, ripe pink grapefruit acidity lends line and length.
2009
Testalonga
Jean Daneel, Signature Chenin Blanc, Western Cape, South Africa, 2010
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A honeysuckle nose leads onto a silky palate with juicy white peach, supple acidity and a hint of toast. Balanced and long.
2010
Jean Daneel
Beaumont, Bot River, Chenin Blanc, Walker Bay, South Africa, 2011
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This just off-dry, honey-laced palate is fresh, finely balanced and delicate, with bright Golden Delicious apple and quince fruit.
2011
Beaumont
Cederberg, Chenin Blanc, South Africa, 2011
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Aromatic with bright, steely, minerally grapefruit notes. Crisp, tight and linear.
2011
Cederberg
Zalze, Bush Vine Chenin Blanc, Western Cape, South Africa, 2011
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Moreish, off-dry with juicy sweet ’n’ sour honey-dripped tropical fruit and a crisp finish.
2011
Zalze
