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
1st 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
2nd 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
