I know people who claim to be big Chenin Blanc lovers, but they always just drink the same style from the same producers. I often ask them: “Have you ever tried a Barrel Fermented or a Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc?” To which I normally just get a frown or a snide remark.

So, if you are happy sipping the same wine all the time, that is fine. But you are missing out on a hell of a lot! I challenge you to broaden your horizons and discover some of the other Chenin Blanc styles available out there.

The perfect place to start is at Perdeberg Cellar - The Home of Chenin Blanc.
  

Perdeberg Cellar produces eight different styles of Chenin Blanc and is the only cellar to achieve four consecutive Standard Bank Top 10 Chenin Blanc awards to date.

Located in the fertile Agter Paarl area, between Malmesbury and Durbanville, Perdeberg Cellar is particular famous for its top Chenin Blanc production with numerous award-winning wines over the years. Chenin Blanc is definitely the most versatile variety with many different styles from Méthode Cap Classique, unoaked and fully wooded to natural sweet dessert wines.

I recently had the opportunity to taste some of Perdeberg’s award-winning Chenin Blanc wines at the Kwagga, their newly renovated private tasting room.
  

Classic Range Chenin Blanc 2017

The Perdeberg Classic Range is made in an elegant, but fruity new world style. The wine can be enjoyed with food or on their own.

Lime, guava and kiwifruit flavours are prominent on the nose and follow through to the palate which experiences a well-balanced acidity.

The Dryland Collection
Courageous Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2016
Made in a rich and ripe wooded style, this Chenin Blanc was fermented and matured in French oak barrels. Together with the age-old traditions of Dry Land viticulture, it resulted in a very aromatic and richly textured wine, with characteristics typical to Chenin Blanc grown under these conditions.

Citrus, pear, peach and pineapple notes are only some of the aromas evident in the aromatics of this wine. The palate boasts hints of citrus, litchi and vanilla, while the finish is crisp with a well-defined acidity.

 

Endura Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc 2017
Smaller berried, flavour-rich grapes is nature’s way of aligning the dry land vine’s energy levels with challenging external conditions and so ensuring the best possible outcome.

Made from a Single Vineyard of Chenin Blanc on top of Paardeberg Mountain, this wine, naturally fermented in Ceramic Amphora, a Diamanté Wine Tank and French Oak Barrels, presents a marriage of skill, unique terroir and the noble qualities of the Chenin Blanc grape.

Ripe stone fruit, citrus and some lemon flavours, rich with a fresh acidity and mineral finish.

The Dryland Collection Natural Sweet Chenin Blanc 2016
Another example from Perdeberg Winery of the versatility of Chenin Blanc. With its appealing colour, enticing aromas and vibrant mouthfeel, this wine is made to please. Marmalade and honeycomb aromas with a hint of ginger are all prominent on the nose, whilst the palate is viscose and voluptuous.

Méthode Cap Classique Chenin Blanc 2012
Green in colour. Notes of green pear, Granny Smith apples, lime and grapefruit are all evident on the nose. Fresh minerality on the palate with a biscuit finish.
  

Experience something different: 

Bookings are essential: 021-869 8244

The Tapas Picnic Basket serves two and includes the following:

• A bottle of Dry Land Collection Pioneer Pinot Noir / Chardonnay 2017 
• Patatas Bravas topped with Crisp Choriza and Aged Pecorino Cheese 
• Lemon-marinated Artichoke and Baby Leaf Salad, accompanied by Charred Zucchini, Slow Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, Danish Feta and a Pesto Emulsion 
• Grilled Sticky BBQ Chicken Wings, served with a Chimi Churri Aioli 
• Panki-Breaded Lamb Belly Fritters served with Roasted Garlic Aioli 
• Chili, Honey and Soy-roasted Pork Tacos with Chili and Pineapple Salsa 
• Nutella or Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta 

For more information about Perdeberg Cellar visit their website at www.perdeberg.co.za or follow them on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.