.

We were invited to the Chenin Blanc Association’s Conference at the One&Only

Frans Smit (Spier), Bruwer Raats Raats Family Wines), Niel Groenewald (DGB) and Richard Kershaw MW presented their views on the effect the origin (terroir) of the vines has on the grapes, as well as the effect that differences in vineyard and cellar techniques have on the wine

We saw a succession of maps showing the huge differences in terrain between different areas of our winelands

Lots of different opinions, but, to quote Bruwer, 

"Style, rather than terroir, drives the wine"

a break for tea, coffee (indifferent, from a flask) and biscuits (excellent) and a chat

was followed by a detailed statistical analysis by Dr Hélène Nieuwoudt  of Stellenbosch University’s Institute for Wine Technology of consumer buying patterns and preferences

then a tasting of two flights of chenins

(Ken Forrester, Geoff Grier and Wendy Appelbaum seen through the glasses)

We tasted

1^st Flight (Fresh & Fruity): Perdeberg 2012  (R29.90), Slanghoek 2012 (R27), Simonsig 2012 (R38) - all unwooded - and Lutzville Diamond Collection 2011 (R55), Radford Dale Renaissance 2010 (R200), Mulderbosch Small Change 2009 (R199) – all wooded

2^nd Flight (Rich & Ripe): Spier 21 Gables 2010 (R118), Rudera Robusto 2009 (R120), Rijk’s Reserve 2008 (R170), Remhoogte Honeybunch 2011 (R 120), Graham Beck Bowed Head 2010 (R110) and Ken Forrester FMC 2010 (R325)

Our favourites were the Perdeberg, Mulderbosch, Spier, Rudera, Rijk’s and Ken Forrester. The Perdeberg is exceptionally good quality and value and we will definitely be buying some

Then a wonderful lunch at Nobu,

served with all the wines from the tasting

Whitefish sashimi

A delicious baby spinach salad with lobster, made more special because the spinach was drenched in truffle oil and layered with grated parmesan

Photographs © John Ford, Adamastor & Bacchus 2012