Tasting Notes for Val du Charron Chennin Blanc

Val du Charron Chenin Blanc (wooded) - $18.99

Wellington, South Africa, 2009

Known as Steen in South Africa, this is the most widely planted white grape there, accounting for one in five vines planted and represents 53% of the world’s Chenin Blanc vines. Perhaps the worlds most versatile white, it can be vinified in a variety of styles from sweeter to drier, as well as made into sherry and sparkling wine. The Val du Charron Chenin Blanc is wooded, giving it a rich and round texture. The first few sips are like honey on toast with baked Granny Smith apples and is a wine that can age for several years. The palate is big, but not fat, held well in check by excellent balancing acids. And there’s some early maturity with modified Chenin Blanc fruit flavours already becoming honeyed. The oak adds some nice toasty notes that are very complimentary.

Wellington, South Africa

Many of you know Jesse Balsimo that is now the National Sales Manager for Val du Charron.  Located less than an hour from Cape Town is Wellington (named when Napolean defeated the Duke of Wellington) and overlooking the Bovlei Valley, lies the Val du Charron Wine and Olive Estate, with great views of the majestic Hawequa Mountains nearby.  The original farm was proclaimed in 1699, around the same time that French Huguenots settled in the area, bringing with them the art of wine making. The South African estate is now owned by American brothers Craig and Stuart Entwistle and Stuart's wife Cathy, who bought it after it had been abandoned for 20 years. They bulldozed the farm when they bought it and the only vines that could be salvaged were the Chenin Blanc. Now they produce super-premium wines.   This is just a taste of what the Wine Club trip to South Africa in 2015 will be like! Mark your Calendars:  January