“Kanu’s long association with Chenin Blanc takes form in a wine from grapes sourced from our neighbour, more precisely, from beautiful old bush vines planted in 1980. In line with protocols set out by the Old Vine Project, wines made from these grapes are made in a minimalistic way, meaning whole bunch pressing, natural fermentation with no other additives. Sulphur is only added prior to bottling, but kept to a minimum level, just sufficient to protect against oxidation. Should the wine be fermented in oak barrels, no new oak is allowed to mask the character of the grape.
Our Old Vine Chenin was fermented in seasoned 400 L French and Hungarian barrels and matured for 10 months with barrels rolled weekly to keep the wine in contact with the lees, for added complexity. A portion of the wine underwent fermentation and maturation in a stainless-steel tank. The wine was bottled unfiltered and spent 6 months composing itself before release.
A wonderful, rich nose exuding notes of citrus, peach kernel with the barest trace of spearmint. Opening further in the glass, the wine displays its multi-layered nose, revealing baked quince, spice, and hints of vanillin’s. The palate is complex with a perceptible wet pebble minerality, fatness from partial malolactic fermentation, but all kept in check with a fresh line of acidity.”
Best enjoyed with good friends and good food.
For more information visit Kanu Wine Farm, R304 Stellenbosch Contact 021 023 0361, or to order online, visit www.kanu.co.za
