COLOUR
White
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2016
GRAPE
Chenin Blanc
PRODUCER
Delaire Graff Estate
REGION
Western Cape
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium - Full
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
Medium - High
Finish
Long
Intensity
Pronounced
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
The Delaire Graff Swartland Reserve Chenin Blanc 2016 is a single-varietal wine crafted from 100% Chenin Blanc grapes. It originates from the Swartland region in South Africa, renowned for its old bush vines. Delaire Graff Estate, a luxury property, sources fruit from this distinctive terroir to create this reserve bottling. Winemaker Morné Vrey's philosophy emphasizes capturing the essence of old-vine Swartland Chenin, focusing on freshness and structure. The 2016 vintage's dry conditions contributed to concentrated fruit from the region's ancient, dry-farmed vines.
ALCOHOL
AVG. PRICE
STYLE
Classic
When to drink
Now or Later
Ideal temperature
10-13°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
Grapes come from 30-40 year old dry-farmed bush vines.
Fact 02
Winemaker Morné Vrey avoids malolactic fermentation to preserve acidity.
Fact 03
The wine is aged in a mix of French oak barrels and large Foudre.
Fact 04
The 2016 vintage was exceptionally dry, impacting crop size.
FOOD PAIRING
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WINE MAKING PROCESS
The Delaire Graff Swartland Reserve Chenin Blanc undergoes meticulous winemaking. Grapes are carefully sorted before whole-bunch pressing without added sulphur. Fermentation occurs in French oak barrels, with a specific focus on preserving the wine's natural acidity by omitting malolactic fermentation and bâtonnage. The wine is then aged for 10 months in a combination of 400-litre barrels and large Foudre, allowing for nuanced oak integration. The 2016 vintage's dry conditions contributed to concentrated fruit, which these techniques aim to showcase.
