One of our favourite grapes among the whites is Chenin blanc and not least the one coming from South Africa. Of South Africa’s nearly 100 000 hectares of vineyards Chenin blanc is grown on more than 18 000 hectares. The Chenin plantings used to be larger but then, on the other hand, the quality was not so high and many Chenin grapes were used for distillation. Now the South African Chenin can be least as interesting as the French.
Breedekloof Wine Valley, a region just east of Paarl, has taken an interesting initiative to launch Chenin blanc as the great grape of the region. Here, say the growers in Breedekloof, Chenin blanc has found its true home. So far, nine producers will work together to promote this phenomenal grape, capable of producing a wide variety of wines, dry and sweet. The climate and soil in Breedekloof give a long and slow ripening season and a late harvest, which is ideal for Chenin blanc. Read more on Breedekloof Chenin Blanc Initiative.
The best is of course to enjoy South African Chenin Blanc on location! It is high time to sign up for our amazing South Africa wine tour, which starts February 27, 2016! We will see a lot of sights, such as Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope, but the wine will of course be the main attraction. Along with superb food!
