False Bay 'Slow' Chenin Blanc is not fermented with fast-acting, or 'aroma-enhancing’ commercially selected yeast. The grapes do not take three weeks to get from vineyard to bottle. It is crafted the wild way – old vine fruit, fermented with wild yeast found naturally on the grapes…not in a packet. This magical transformation takes at least six months.
The grapes for False Bay 'Slow' Chenin Blanc stem from old bush vines in The Swartland and Stellenbosch regions. Old vines are key to making stand-out chenin.
The area's old vines produce naturally low yields and retain good acidity despite being warmer and less windswept than Stellenbosch, so cooler, coastal Atlantic winds are less of a necessity for these gnarly old vines.
Wild yeast fermentation is key to this benchmark Chenin Blanc. The long wild yeast ferment provides bready aromas and additional complexity to the wine. Dried herbaceous notes, including fennel and aniseed from the nearby fynbos, dominate the nose, followed by a creamy lemon character. The palate is reminiscent of the nose, with great textural complexity, attributable to the long, slow wild yeast fermentation.
'Slow' is a versatile wine equally well suited to partner lobster (if you're pushing the boat out) and other seafood, risotto or herb roast chicken. It can also handle spice very well thus partners perfectly with South African Bobotie.
Quick Info
Bottle SIze:
75cl
ABV:
13.5%
Designation:
WO Coastal Region
BIN:BTL-0193
Vegan:Yes
Vegetarian:Yes
Style:White Wine
Style:Rich & Textured Whites
More Information
South Africa
South African wine has a history dating back to 1659 with the first bottle being produced in Cape Town by its founder and governor Jan van Riebeeck.
South Africa is located at the tip of Africa with its wine regions located near the coastal influences of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. These regions have a mostly Mediterranean climate that is marked by intense sunlight and dry heat.
Chenin blanc is a white wine grape variety from the Loire Valley of France. Its high acidity means it can be used to make many styles from crisp and fresh dry white wines, to delicious sparklers, and even well-balanced dessert wines,
Outside the Loire, Chenin Blanc is best known in South Africa. A new generation of quality producers is making excellent, complex Chenin from old vines and the future looks very bright indeed.
JD was destined to be a winemaker. Whilst pregnant, his mother helped in the family winery, enriching JDs formative senses. His earliest memories are of the “floral aromas in the winery while the fermentations were happening”. JD always wanted to be a winemaker and it all came so naturally whilst helping his father in their Paarl winery.
Excellent value for money and in my opinion the best Chenin Blanc from S Africa
5verified
Jo Cody on 5th Aug 2022
One of my favourites.
When my wine-geek son visited recently from Houston, I took him outof his comfort zone by offering him a white wine.
Thankfully he thought it was pretty perfect, and I couldn't have had a better reaction.