Chenin Blanc Franschhoek Cellar
A beautifully balanced wine offering a vibrant burst of ripe tropical and stone fruit, supported by a creamy texture and crisp, zesty acidity for a long, refreshing finish.
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Chenin Blanc Franschhoek Cellar
A true ambassador for South Africa’s signature white grape, the Franschhoek Cellar Chenin Blanc is a quintessential expression of the region, offering a taste journey that is both generous and elegantly structured. From the moment it is poured, it captivates with its pale straw-yellow hue and glints of youthful green. The initial approach on the nose is an inviting bouquet of vibrant, sun-ripened fruit.
Aromatic waves of golden pineapple, guava, and passionfruit create a distinctly tropical first impression, which is soon layered with the softer, more nuanced scents of white peach, apricot, and a hint of crisp green apple. Woven throughout are delicate floral whispers of honeysuckle and a subtle, intriguing note of wet stone, promising a palate of considerable complexity.
Upon taking the first sip, the wine delivers on its aromatic promise with gusto. The palate is immediately awash with a symphony of fruit flavours that are rich yet impeccably defined. The succulence of ripe pineapple and juicy nectarine leads the charge, while mid-palate, the flavour profile deepens, revealing layers of velvety peach and a zesty tang of grapefruit and lime. This is not simply a fruit-forward wine; it possesses a sophisticated texture and depth derived from its time on the lees. This winemaking technique imparts a creamy, almost textural weight to the wine, adding notes of almond skin or brioche that beautifully counterpoint the bright fruit.
The structure of this Chenin Blanc is one of its most commendable features. It boasts a beautifully balanced medium body that feels satisfying and complete without ever being heavy. The driving force is a vibrant, linear acidity that cuts through the richness of the fruit like a crystalline thread. This zesty freshness cleanses the palate, maintaining a superb sense of energy and preventing the ripe fruit profile from becoming cloying.
The finish is remarkably persistent and clean, lingering gracefully as the fruit notes slowly recede to leave a lasting impression of citrus zest, a touch of minerality, and a final, refreshing flourish. It is a versatile and deeply satisfying wine, perfect for enjoying on a warm afternoon or paired with dishes like roasted chicken, creamy seafood pasta, or mildly spicy Asian cuisine.
Chenin Blanc Franschhoek Cellar – From Harvest to Tank: The Foundation of Freshness
The production of Franschhoek Cellar’s Chenin Blanc is a meticulous process focused on capturing the pristine essence of the grape. It begins in the sun-drenched vineyards of the Franschhoek valley, where the grapes are carefully monitored and harvested during the cool, early morning hours. This critical timing ensures that the natural acidity and delicate aromatic compounds are preserved at their peak.
Upon arrival at the cellar, the grapes are treated with utmost care, undergoing gentle pressing to extract the purest juice while leaving behind any harsh bitterness from the skins. This clear, vibrant juice is then transferred to temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for a long, cool fermentation. This modern, controlled approach is fundamental to the wine’s style, as it locks in the bright, expressive primary fruit notes of ripe pineapple, green apple, and stone fruit that form the backbone of the wine’s character.
Building Complexity: The Art of Aging and Blending
While fermentation establishes the wine’s fruit-forward nature, the subsequent aging process is where its signature texture and complexity are developed. Following fermentation, the wine is left to mature for several months “sur lie,” a classic winemaking technique where it rests on its fine lees (the expired yeast cells). This crucial period of lees contact is the secret to the wine’s wonderfully rounded mouthfeel and creamy palate, imparting a satisfying weight and subtle savoury notes of brioche and almond that balance the exuberant fruit.
To enhance this effect, the lees may be periodically stirred in a process known as bâtonnage, further enriching the wine. While the majority is aged in steel to maintain freshness, a small portion of the blend might be matured in older, neutral French oak barrels. This is not to add overt oaky flavours, but rather to contribute a touch of spice and structural complexity. Finally, the winemaker skilfully blends these various components to achieve the perfect balance before the wine is stabilised and bottled, ready to be enjoyed for its youthful vibrancy and sophisticated layers.
The town of Franschhoek was founded by French Huguenots in 1688. Franschhoek Cellar is a wine co-operative producer for a community of grape farmers in the Franschhoek valley of South Africa. As a pillar of the community, they operate as a private cellar delivering fantastic quality wines with a distinctive personality and character that emulates the grace and charm of their French Huguenot heritage. They produce a range of three white and three red varietal wines, that represent excellent value.
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc is an incredibly versatile grape used to make white wine of varying styles, be it clean and crisp, oak aged, sweet or even sparkling. Regardless of its style, Chenin Blanc is often characterised by its distinct sweetness, as well as its inherent high acidity which helps preserve the wine for unrivalled longevity.
Decanter Wine Awards 2021 Silver 92 points
- Contains Sulphites
- Contains Added Preservatives
- Contains Yeast/Yeast Extracts
- Suitable for Vegans
- Suitable for Vegetarians
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Chenin Blanc Wines available at Penventon Hotel
The Country
South African wines are a vibrant expression of the country’s winemaking renaissance. With a history dating back to the 17th century, South Africa’s wine industry has evolved dramatically, particularly since the early 1990s. The country’s signature grape, Chenin Blanc, produces wines that are dry, ripe, and full of flavor, often with the complexity that comes from old-vine fruit. Pinotage, a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, is a uniquely South African creation that offers a range of styles, from fruity and smooth to rich and smoky. The Western Cape, with its ancient granite soils and warm climate, is the heartland of South African viticulture, yielding bold reds and aromatic whites that straddle Old World elegance and New World boldness. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Bordeaux blends from this region are gaining international acclaim for their structured tannins and complex aromas. As the world’s 8th largest wine producer, South Africa continues to surprise and delight wine enthusiasts with its dynamic and diverse offerings
South Africa Wines available at Penventon Hotel
The Region
Drinks available at Penventon Hotel
The Producer
The town of Franschhoek was founded by French Huguenots in 1688. Franschhoek Cellar is a wine co-operative producer for a community of grape farmers in the Franschhoek valley of South Africa. As a pillar of the community, they operate as a private cellar delivering fantastic quality wines with a distinctive personality and character that emulates the grace and charm of their French Huguenot heritage. They produce a range of three white and three red varietal wines, that represent excellent value.
