It's South African Chenin Blanc, Jim, but not as we know it!
I first bought this a few months ago as I was intrigued to see what could make a Chenin Blanc from South Africa worth £16 (from Marks and Spencer).
i was delighted to find it currently (end of May) on sale for half price! Yes, just £8 and any 6 bottles will get you a further 25% off. Perfect timing as I'm stocking up on interesting stuff for a tasting with friends.
So what makes it different?
I first bought this a few months ago as I was intrigued to see what could make a Chenin Blanc from South Africa worth £16 (from Marks and Spencer).
i was delighted to find it currently (end of May) on sale for half price! Yes, just £8 and any 6 bottles will get you a further 25% off. Perfect timing as I'm stocking up on interesting stuff for a tasting with friends.
So what makes it different?
In a word, oak, or French oak in 2 words. Chenin Blanc from South Africa tends to the off dry. The candied, almost over-confected, styles of some of the low-end house whites in the cheaper pubs can struggle with pear drop flavour and not offer much else.
This one is full of peach, ripe orange melon and lemons, yet the oak gives it an altogether more toasty complexion. If you like oak on your Chardonnay, you'll enjoy this. Mr Purple Teeth guessed it was Chardonnay, in fact.
Where it differs from a Chardonnay is that it has a lot more vibrant fruit, at the price point. At £8, snap it up as a bargain. At £16, it's more of a stretch, but an interesting find. I also enjoyed a glass or two of this with another local wine blogger and merchant, on a previous Wine Wednesday. It's a decent drop for the current not so summer weather and paired well with cheese, charcuterie and also roast chicken pizza.
Cheers!
PS, I'd love to hear what you're discovering and enjoying so feel free to drop me a line, or get in touch via Twitter or Facebook.
This one is full of peach, ripe orange melon and lemons, yet the oak gives it an altogether more toasty complexion. If you like oak on your Chardonnay, you'll enjoy this. Mr Purple Teeth guessed it was Chardonnay, in fact.
Where it differs from a Chardonnay is that it has a lot more vibrant fruit, at the price point. At £8, snap it up as a bargain. At £16, it's more of a stretch, but an interesting find. I also enjoyed a glass or two of this with another local wine blogger and merchant, on a previous Wine Wednesday. It's a decent drop for the current not so summer weather and paired well with cheese, charcuterie and also roast chicken pizza.
Cheers!
PS, I'd love to hear what you're discovering and enjoying so feel free to drop me a line, or get in touch via Twitter or Facebook.
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