Are you a fan of South African white wines? If so, you’ll definitely want to try Seriously Cool Chenin Blanc. Crafted from 30-40-year-old bush-vine vineyards in the Helderberg area, this wine boasts a long growing season and ripe fruit with good concentration and balanced acidity. With a miserly 4 tons/hectare production from these grand dames of South African viticultural heritage, Waterkloof follows a traditional, minimalistic approach in their gravitational cellar, which allows the flavours present in the specific vineyard to express themselves in the wine.
The Ins and Outs of Chenin Blanc Production
Chenin Blanc wines have been produced in South Africa since the 1600s, and for good reason. The versatile grape produces a range of wine styles, from dry to sweet, still to sparkling. For Seriously Cool Chenin Blanc, all grapes are whole-bunch pressed, which ensures that juice is extracted in the gentlest way. The juice is then allowed to settle for 24 hours before being racked from the settling tank into stainless steel tanks or older 600-liter barrels, where it is then fermented naturally with wild yeast from the vineyard. This natural fermentation process takes five months to complete, and only a light filtration is used prior to bottling, with a small amount of sulfur added before sale.
Ratings and Flavour Profiles
With an average rating of 3.6 out of 5, this wine has received rave reviews from the likes of wine enthusiasts like Billy Rabid and Anastasiya Koroleva. The flavour profile of the wine boasts aromas of ripe citrus, white flowers, and honey, with well-integrated flavours on the palate that finish with a crisp acidity. For a full summary of the ratings and flavour profiles, see the tables below.
| Rating | Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 4 |
| 3.5 | 9 |
| 3.3 | 1 |
| 3.2 | 1 |
| 2.6 | 1 |
| Flavour Profile | Description |
|---|---|
| Ripe Citrus | A pronounced citrus flavour that is well-rounded and rich. |
| Stone Fruit | Delicious and juicy, with notes of apricot and peach. |
| White Flowers | Lovely floral notes with a hint of honey, perfect for those who enjoy elegant and aromatic wines. |
| Acidity | The wine has a balanced acidity that is crisp and refreshing. |
| Vegetarian/Vegan | This vegan-friendly wine is a great choice for those who prefer to use animal-free products. |
Great Food Pairings
Pairing wine with the right food brings out the best in both flavours. Thankfully, Seriously Cool Chenin Blanc is a versatile wine that can be enjoyed with a range of dishes, from seafood and salads to chicken and pasta. For a deliciously simple pairing idea, try this recipe for seared scallops with lemon butter sauce:
Ingredients
- 6 large scallops
- Zest of one lemon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Juice of half a lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove the scallops from the refrigerator and bring them to room temperature.
- Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Add the butter to a skillet and heat over medium-high heat until it starts to bubble.
- Add the scallops to the pan and sear for 2 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
- Remove the scallops from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Add the lemon juice and lemon zest to the pan and cook until it reduces by half.
- Pour the lemon butter sauce over the scallops and serve immediately.
Order a Bottle of Seriously Cool Chenin Blanc Today!
If you’re ready to taste the seriously cool flavours of South African Chenin Blanc for yourself, order a bottle today at South African Wines. With its refreshing acidity and versatile food pairings, this wine is sure to become a new favourite in your collection. Order now and get it at a special sale price!
Make sure to check out other South African White Wines on sale.
You may also be interested in our other websites www.veganwineonline.co.uk and www.auswinesonline.co.uk
