Celebrate #DrinkChenin Day With Nederburg's The Anchorman

When #DrinkChenin Day comes around on 18 June, why not open a bottle of Nederburg Heritage Heroes The Anchorman Chenin Blanc? You’ll discover its superb freshness matched by complexity and structure, and ripe apricot, white peach and floral flavours with a hint of spice.

At Nederburg, Chenin blanc offers the winemaking team an incredible opportunity to innovate and experiment with various styles and grape sources.

“This wine has a fascinating story in that it is a blend of four very differently vinified components,” explains the Paarl winery’s assistant white winemaker, Jamie Williams.

“One portion of fruit is fermented in barrels, a second in stainless-steel tanks, while a third is fermented in amphorae (clay pots) and the remainder, carbonically macerated. Usually applied when making reds, carbonic maceration is when whole grape bunches are neither crushed nor pressed, but allowed to ferment spontaneously, to give a light, fruity and fresh profile.

“An absolute pleasure to make, and to drink, this wine is very food-friendly and pairs well with a wide variety of dishes, from fresh fish, seafood, white meat, pasta dishes, salads and mild, fruity curries. For a truly South African match, try it with Slaphakskeentjie tarte tatin with Chevin cream.”

Slaphakskeentjie Tart Tatin with Chevin Cream with Heritage Heroes Anchorman Chenin Blanc

Williams says she and her team are hugely excited about the 2020 vintage of The Anchorman, to be released into the market later this year. She explains that it’s right in line with the huge consumer enthusiasm around wines certified in the Old Vine Project (OVP) register, for which vines must be at least 35 years’ old, as well some of the fruit’s Swartland origin. “Our 2020 The Anchorman Chenin Blanc is made from a combination of Nederburg farm OVP vines and Swartland fruit. Expect to see more equally surprising new wines from us in the future!”

To watch a video of Jamie discussing The Anchorman 2018, click here.

Nederburg’s The Anchorman forms part of its super-premium Heritage Heroes collection of individually named, hand-made wines, that honour some of the personalities who have shaped Nederburg and its history as one of South Africa’s most awarded wineries. The Anchorman is named for Nederburg’s founder, Philippus Wolvaart, who bought the farm in Paarl in 1791 and planted Chenin blanc.

The 2018 vintage of Nederburg The Anchorman is available via Nederburg’s online shop in South Africa at R190 per 750ml bottle or R1 140 per six-bottle case. A 10% discount is applicable when you purchase at least six bottles, between 17 and 30 June, in celebration of #DrinkChenin Day.

For more information about South African Chenin blanc, go to www.chenin.co.za/.