"The Bernard Series" Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2022

It is called The Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc and is a white wine produced by the Bellingham winery. The winery is located in Franschhoek, a province in the Western Cape. The Stellenbosch appellation, in particular, is one of the most prestigious in the whole of South Africa, covering some 16,000 hectares, from which wines characterised by a particular structure and minerality are produced. A pure Chenin Blanc, the grapes used here come from only three historic vineyards, planted between 1971 and 1983. One of the vineyards is located in Cape Town and, with its cool climate, forms the main component of the wine. The other two, however, are located in the Bottelary Hills in Stellenbosch. Here the soils are predominantly granite, exposed to the elements and shaped by ocean breezes from nearby Table Bay and False Bay. Grapes are harvested in two distinct phases. The first part is intended to influence olfactory perceptions and ferments naturally in concrete and amphora tanks. The second part, on the other hand, ferments naturally in 300-litre oak barrels, about 30% of which are new. After fermentation, the wine undergoes monthly bâttonage for approximately 10 months. The Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc presents itself in the glass with a beautiful, bright straw yellow colour. The nose has lively citrus and tropical notes with hints of ripe lime, peach and apricot. In the mouth it is fresh, elegant and naturally fruity, with a delicate spiciness. A Chenin Blanc of exceptional concentration, acidity and balance, it is perfect with shellfish, crustaceans and sushi. It also lends itself to pairings with spicy foods, creamy and medium-aged cheeses.