Durbanville Hills Chenin Blanc 2021

Durbanville Hills Chenin Blanc 2021

Durbanville Hills Winery is situated in the smallest ward, The Durbanville Wine Appellation. The winery is a joint venture between 9 grape farmers in the little valley which opens out on to the Atlantic Ocean and its Benguela Current. The breezes from the ocean plat a major part in the climatic conditions in the valley, ameliorating the Summer heat and cooling the vineyards, causing slower ripening of the grapes – thus more flavour.

Chenin Blanc in the hands of the harvester

Harvested at idea ripeness, the grapes were destalked and crushed by the winery’s White Wine Specialist Kobus Gerber, and the juice allowed minimal skin contact. Fermentation took 16 days using a selected fruit capturing yeast strain. Racked from its fermentation lees and then allowed three months on fresh lees. This assists with creating a more full mouth feel. The wine was then prepared for bottling.

Kobus Gerber, White Wine Specialist at Durbanville Hills Winery

Pour

From a Burgundy shaped bottle. Closed with a screw cap. The label is classic Durbanville Hills, lozenge shape. Simple and elegant. In the glass, the wine is a pale hay colour with flashes of lime green. The aromas are all about Chenin Blanc. White guavas, desiccated pineapple, yellow peaches, white flowers, and honey. The palate from entry has a lovely line of acidity going through a generous mid palate, richly flavoured with a segue of the aromas and into a long and gently waning aftertaste. You simply have to enjoy this wine.

Pete Goffe Wood’s Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

Pair

The Durbanville Hills Chenin Blanc 2021 is a superb sipping wine. Just made for well prepared food. There are quite a few dishes on the menu of The Tangram Restaurant at the Winery which are perfect partners. I always feel that chicken is a perfect partner to Chenin Blanc. Pete Goffe Wood’s Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce is a fine choice to accompany this wine. Click HERE for his recipe

Pete Goffe Wood, renowned Chef