Chenin Blanc is the #1 Wine in South Africa

The Dutch set up a supply colony for the sailors of the Dutch East India Company. This was in the mid-1600’s, and they soon started producing wine.

Some of the areas have very warm climates, similar to Sydney or Perth Australia, but can also cool significantly due to elevation or ocean breezes. South Africa also has a unique feature known as the “Cape Doctor”, which is a gale-force summer south-easter wind that reduces humidity, mildew, and other fungal diseases. However, it can also damage the vines.

The wine areas are divided into Regions, then split into Districts, and further into Wards.

Specific site location has been less important in labeling, and the emphasis has been on variety (called cultivar). Chenin Blanc is the most planted wine grape accounting for about 18% of all plantings. Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah (called Shiraz in South Africa) are both around 10%.

South Africa has a unique red wine called Pinotage (cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut). It has remained around 7% of plantings.

“The Oxford Companion to Wine” calls Chenin Blanc one of the most versatile wine grape varieties. It can produce wines that are sweet, dry, crisp, heavier oaked wines, and fortified wines. It is a half-sibling to both Verdelho and Sauvignon Blanc. Like these grapes, it has good acidity. It is known for its capability to produce high vineyard yields, which can result in a less desirable wine.

Tonight, we are enjoying two white wines including:

1. 2023 Lubanzi Wines Chenin Blanc. This wine was purchased at Wall to Wall Wines for $16.00. The bottle says it is a certified climate neutral wine and “1% for the planet”, and “Fair For Life Fair Trade Certified” means workers have good and fair working conditions. Vintage Wine Shop says Aromas of wild honey and apple pie. Can sip by itself or enjoy with spicy foods. Comes from the Swartland region. It has 12.5% alcohol.
2. 2021 Domaine Lafage Centenaire. I purchased online for around $16.00. Blend of 60% White Grenache (Grenache Blanc), 20% Grey Grenache (Grenache Gris), and 20% Roussanne. Cuvee Centenaire Cotes Catalanes, Indication Geographique Protegee. Takes its name from 100-year-old vines of Grenache Blanc on the Lafage farms only a few kilometers from the Mediterranean on gravelly clay soils. The grapes are harvested in two passes through the vineyard. The first time through, grapes are picked as they first reach ripeness with high acidity. The second pass harvests grapes that are fully ripe and have more rich fruit flavors. The wine is then aged in a combination of tank and new French oak barrels. It has 13.0% alcohol.

Next week we will stay in South Africa and taste a Shiraz and a red blend.