Yesterday we had the opportunity to attend the Breedekloof Makers Chenin Blanc Launch at The Homestead where we spent some time with a group of winemakers from Breedekloof who decided to band together to collectively showcase South Africa’s greatest white grape, Chenin Blanc, under the Breedekloof Makers banner. The Breedemakers introduced their new Vintage Chenin Blancs in a magical garden setting to the trade, wine buyers, restaurant owners and sommeliers. With Spring in the air and Summer just around the corner it was the perfect time to set the mood for the sunny season with some of the best wines the Cape has to offer.
The collection of individual Chenin Blancs perfectly illustrate the quality of the Breedekloof terroir and continue to draw plenty of local and international praise. Some of the amazing Chenin’s we tasted included:
- Badsberg Chenin Blanc 2019
- Bergsig Patmos Chenin Blanc Reserve 2017
- Botha Amyah Chenin Blanc 2018
- Daschbosch Steen 2018
- Deetlefs Estate Reserve Chenin Blanc 2018
- Du Toitskloof Quest Wooded Chenin Blanc 2019
- Jason’s Hill Beatrix Chenin Blanc 2019
- Lateganskop The Zahir 2017
- Le Belle Rebelle Mariëtte Chenin Blanc 2018
- Merwida Family Vintners Chenin Blanc 2017
- Olifantsberg Lark Chenin Blanc 2018
- Opstal Carl Everson Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc 2018
- Slanghoek Legends Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2017
- Stofberg Wine Estate Border Stone Chenin Blanc 2018.
Our Top 3 Chenin Blancs that stood out the most and we feel will be a big hit this summer are the:
Badsberg Chenin Blanc 2019: On the nose this wine has elegant soft aromas of tropical fruit with an oak undertone and on the palate it is well balanced and with an excellent structure. It’s beautifully fresh with a fruity crisp finish. This wine retails for R150 a bottle.
Olifantsberg Lark Chenin Blanc 2018: Clean cut freshness with a good balance of fresh stone fruit and bright citrus notes with a fleshy textured palate and engaging length. An elegant and refined style of Chenin Blanc. It retails for R195.
Slanghoek Legends Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2017: A wine that is full bodied and shows refined fruit expressions of pineapple, lime and apricots, interlaced with nuances of butterscotch on the nose. It is an elegant and perfectly balanced wine. The wine can be purchased directly from Slanghoek Cellar or from their online shop at R196.00
After the wine tasting, we were treated to a French countryside-inspired sharing lunch paired with the marvellous wines. The Homestead really outdid themselves with the beautiful spring garden set up and menu. All the flavours were fresh, luscious, blissful and highlighted the wines perfectly. I really can’t wait to host some amazing lunches with these wines this summer.
For more on the wines make sure you visit the newly launched Breedemakers site: www.breedekloofmakers.com