Chenin Blanc grapes make beautiful wines. But in America this varietal is sadly underrated and under-appreciated. It was very popular back in the 70's but then faded away behind Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. I think that is on the verge of changing as more and more people are looking for new wine experiences.
The most popular Chenin Blancs are from the Loire Valley in France, scores of wine makers produce it in Australia. But South Africa is where Chenin Blanc really shines. Here are two we really enjoyed with a South African dinner I made.
The evening started with some hot South African Pop and Indie music, compliments of the Hype Machine a very hip new music straming site. Just search African when you get there.
The South African Cape is an abundantly green region that has much to explore.
The two we enjoyed are brought to the US by the fine importer Cape Classics Wines, Indaba Chenin Blanc 2009 and De Morgenzon Chenin Blanc 2009.
The Indaba was very very good and a terrific value at around $12. I tasted this wine several years ago and it has gotten so much better since then. Comparing this to a highly regarded French Chenin Blanc that sells for around the same price, Domaine Lavigne Saumur Blanc 2008, the Indaba is so much more lively, with much richer fruit flavors and aroma.
The De Morgenzon is a truely extraordinary wine. For better or worse in my business you taste a lot of wine. Many are good, too many are mediocre or bad, and every once in a while you come across a truely exceptional wine like this. I knew it deserved a special meal when I first tasted it which got me very inspired. It is not easy to find this wine and it sells for around $30, but it is worth every dollar. I was lucky to find some and bought a case.
On to our dinner. South African recipes are very diverse with English, Dutch, Indian and other Southern Asian influences not to mention the rich food culture of the indigenous people of Africa. We started dinner with a good Gouda cheese from Holland. The Dutch settled in Africa and became Afrikaners centuries ago.
The center of the meal had South Asian roots, Coriander Scallops with an Orange-Ginger Dressing, served over Mache found in the current issue of Bon Appetit. Yams are popular in South Africa so I took out some of those delicious frozen sweet potato fries from Trader Joe's and accented them with Sharwoods Pineapple Coconut Milk sauce. With that I made sauteed mushrooms with fresh thyme served with a dollop of red pesto, adapted from a recipe from Tiramisu Bistro, in Alberton North near Johannesburg.
The wine complemented the food perfectly.
"De Morgenzon is Dutch for "the morning sun," a fitting name for this boutique property high on the Stellenboschkloof, which is the first to be touched by the rising sun's rays." Importer
The wine is "handcrafted in small quantities by consulting winemaker Teddy Hall, this opulent show stopper displays effusive apricot and pineapple aromas which erupt into luscious flavors of tropical fruit, orange blossom, honey, and spice. A world class offering that strikes a brilliant balance between plush fruit and crisp, mouthwatering acidity."
We were bowled over by the quality and intricate yet very fulfilling nose and flavors of this exceptionally well balanced and naturally delicious wine.
Wine Spectator said about the 2008 "A ripe, juicy style, with delicious graham, heather honey and grilled hazelnut notes that slowly give way to persimmon, mango and ginger on the long, rich finish. Showy and delicious. Drink now through 2011, 91 points 100 cases imported"
The Indaba was very very good also. "Indaba' is the Zulu word for “a meeting of the minds,” or a traditional gathering of tribal leaders for a sharing of ideas. The brand was created as a celebration of the democratization process in South Africa, and from its inception, the wines have conveyed the spirit of South Africa to American consumers." Importer.
It is a lighter yet very fulfilling wine. The nose blossoms out of the bottle from the moment the cork is released. The wine is created by Bruwer Raats who is considered to be one of the most talented wine makers in SA. This wine has "the perfect balance between mouthwatering fruit and crisp acidity. It's packed with luscious tropical, citrus, and white stone fruit, accented with a touch of honey." Winemaker
We sure loved it and see this at the pool or by beach all Summer long.
I would like to thank Molly Choi for introducing me to these wines. Learn more about the joys of South African Chenin Blanc by following Molly on Twitter at Cheninista. Learn more about these wines and winemakers at www.capeclassics.com.
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