The Best Summer Chenin Blancs
South Africa is known for producing exceptional Chenin Blancs. Country Life magazine’s Greg Landman took it upon himself to search the country for South Africa’s best Chenin Blancs for Summer.
Landman, a passionate wine enthusiast, writer and wine guide listed the Charms of Chenin in this article.
Glen Carlou’s Natural Sweet Chenin Blanc, The Welder, was the only dessert wine style that made the selection and listed, by Landman as one of South Africa’s bests.
This Natural Sweet Chenin Blanc is bright and vibrant on both the nose and palate, this wine shows concentrated flavours of dried apricots, ripe orange and honey, with hints of white flower blossoms. A touch of pineapple on the entry, yet clean and focused, it condenses into a rich finish, filling the palate. The towering sugar concentration is in perfect harmony with the fruit, and balanced well with a firm acidity.
This wine is best served slightly chilled and the perfect accompaniment to desserts and strong cheeses.
The Glen Carlou Natural Sweet Chenin Blanc is a favourite, even those not typically a ‘sweet wine drinker’ enjoys this wine for its luxurious mouthfeel but vibrant and fresh finish.
The Welder is not the only Glen Carlou Chenin Blanc with a fan base, the 2018 Glen Carlou Collection Chenin Blanc made from old bush vines planted in Swartland, received a 95 point score from Master of Wine Tim Atkin. Only 3400 bottles of this exceptional wine were made and we were ecstatic to see the great response to this wine when launched.
Both of these wines showcase exceptional expression of fruit and represent a collection of ordinary wines done extraordinarily well.