Adara Chenin Blanc 2024

2024 Adara Chenin blanc

 Vineyards:          Adara - Palmiet is situated in the Drakenstein Valley, under the shadows of the Du Toitskloof Mountains, a few kilometers from the historic town of Paarl. The vineyards are situated on sandy-loam alluvial soils along the banks of the Berg River. The mountains are an important factor for assisting in high rainfall during the winter months and the mountain tops are quite often covered with snow. The Adara Chenin blanc vineyard used for this wine is 18 years old.  Early morning shade helps to slow down the ripening process and a south-easterly breeze cools down the grapes in the afternoon. All factors that result in white grapes with fresh varietal character and excellent ageing potential.

Winemaking:    Plenty of winter rain and moderate temperatures during spring resulted in the slow ripening of the Chenin blanc grapes. The 2024 harvest started early in February and was completed over three days, only selecting the best quality grapes at different levels of maturity. At the cellar the grapes were sorted and crushed. The juice was divided into two tanks and different yeasts were selected for the fermentation process. The juice was fermented at 13 °Celsius to retain the fruitiness and varietal flavours. After the completion of fermentation, the two tanks were blended and left on the fine lees for another 6 weeks at 10 °Celsius. Thereafter the wine was prepared, filtered, and bottled.

Tasting notes:   This is a complex wine with pronounced flavours of white peach, ripe pear and winter melon. The wine is rich, with crisp fruit flavours and a long lingering tropical finish.

AGEING POTENTIAL: The wine has excellent ageing potential of 3 – 5.

Blend:                   Chenin blanc – 100%

Vintage:               2023

Origin:                  Paarl

Alcohol:               12.98 vol%

Total acidity:      6.2 g/l

pH:                         3.41

Residual sugar: 1.0 g/l

Food Pairings:

1. Seafood: The crisp acidity of a dry Chenin Blanc cuts through the richness of seafood dishes like grilled prawns or buttery lobster, enhancing the flavors without overwhelming them.
2. Spicy Cuisine: Chenin Blanc’s natural sweetness and acidity balance out spicy foods. Pair it with Cape Malay curry, a dish characterized by its aromatic spices and mild heat, for a harmonious match.
3. Soft Cheeses: The fruity notes of Chenin Blanc complement the creamy texture of cheeses like brie or goat cheese, creating a delightful contrast.