Grande Provence, the landmark Heritage Wine Estate in Franschhoek, has embraced the resurgence of Chenin Blanc as a flag bearer for South African wines, with the launch of a new single varietal wine.
Chenin Blanc forms the core of the estate’s white wines and the new Grande Provence Chenin Blanc 2017 completes their unique expression of this grape variety with a collection of four completely diverse wines.
“For many, Chenin Blanc is one of South Africa’s top wine varieties and has a strong claim for pole position when it comes to being the driver for brand South Africa. The ready access to a rich heritage of old vineyards, as well as the variety’s versatility of styles certainly re-enforces this claim,” says Grande Provence winemaker, Hagen Viljoen.
The newly released Grande Provence Chenin Blanc 2017, is a straight varietal wine produced from vineyards in the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek regions. It is made in a fresh, fruit driven style that captures the classic characteristics and purity of Chenin Blanc in a manner that is accessible, yet complex. Expect passionfruit, guava and apricot to leap from your glass followed by concentrated layers of stone fruit, freshness and a textured finish in perfect balance from the first sip.
This pure expression of Chenin Blanc complements the rest of the range where blends with other varieties lend interesting nuances to the wines.
“Chenin Blanc is a fantastic blending partner and allows for endless stylistic expressions by the winemaker when added to other varieties,” says Viljoen..
The Grande Provence White 2015, a blend of Chenin Blanc and Viognier from Franschhoek, is a more serious wooded-style blend that expresses the richer and riper characteristics of Chenin Blanc, supported beautifully by the perfume and fruit of Viognier. The result is a rich, full-bodied and above all, intriguing wine with good ageing potential.
One of the most intriguing Grande Provence wines, The Amphora 2016, is made from Chenin Blanc fermented on the skins for 7 months in Tuscan clay amphorae with just a dash of Muscat d’Alexandrie (1%). This is a pure and raw expression of the variety made in a way that encapsulates Chenin Blanc in its totality.
“Multi-layered and textural, this is a wine that needs time to evolve in your glass and pushes the boundaries in terms of what we think Chenin should be,” adds Viljoen.
To complete the circle, Grande Provence also makes a Chenin quaffer for everyday enjoyment in its easy drinking Angels Tears range. The Angels Tears Moscato/Chenin Blanc 2017 is a fun blend that is all about aromatics and accessibility. Always a crowd pleaser, this is the ideal fruity summer wine.
Experience the diversity of Chenin Blanc and its unique interpretations by the Grande Provence winemaking team by visiting The Tasting Room. Alternatively visit The Restaurant at Grande Provence and enjoy these wines paired with creative dishes by executive chef, Guy Bennett.
To make your booking, call Tel: 021 876 8600, e-mail winetasting@grandeprovence.co.za or restaurant@grandeprovence.co.za.
The new Grande Provence Chenin Blanc 2017 is available at selected wine outlets country-wide and sells at the cellar door for R90 a bottle. All Grande Provence wines can be purchased online at www.grandeprovence.co.za. Purchases of 24 bottles or more qualify for free delivery anywhere in South Africa.
Located in Franschhoek, the heartland of South African wine country, Grande Provence offers true South African wine heritage, exceptional food and luxury boutique accommodation.
