The Chenin Blanc Growers Association held their annual Showcase last week at the Cape Grace Hotel. It was a chance for the media and the wine trade to taste new releases and some older wines as well. Standard Bank is the generous sponsor
Sommelier Brian Braite Nhlanhla
Mahlangu pours us a glass of Perdeberg’s great Mèthode Cap Classique which was
one of the welcome MCC Chenins.. We also had the much talked and appreciated
about Huis von Chevallerie Filia Chenin Blanc MCC 2014
The wines were divided into
several different categories like Fresh and Fruity, Unwooded, Wooded, Dessert
and a vintage selection. On this table we thought the Tierhoek and the Painted
Wolf showed particularly well although, as a selection, most were very, very
good indeed
Sebastian
Beaumont, standing in for the Chenin Blanc Association President Ken Forrester
who was overseas, made the opening speech and introduced us to the wines
Hey cobbler stick to your last!
Marketing Manager for Kleine Zalze, Anthony van Schalkwyk doing clever snaps
with his phone
Christa von la Chevallerie. We loved her
A rapt audience waiting for the
tasting to begin
Winemakers to the left,
winemakers to the right. With a few media and restaurateurs thrown in. From the
right: photographer Danie Nel, Pierre Wahl - his Rijks Reserve Chenin Blanc 2013
(excellent as always) was on the vintage table, although it is his current
release. We also enjoy and buy the Remhoogte Honeybunch Chenin Blanc 2016 which
Chris Boustred was showing. Next to him is Danie Steytler of Kaapzicht, who made
the old bush vine wine 1947. It was the wine that there was the most buzz about
in the room and many people, winemakers as well, said it was their favourite. It
is ours. So elegant so layered and just how good Chenin should be
Three, no four, gorgeous
blondes. Lisa Gehring of Vrede en Lust, Siobhan Thompson & Maryna Calow of WOSA
The fourth, Ina Smith, the
miracle worker who runs the Chenin Blanc Association and arranges these
showcases
Another great selection,
entitled Rich and Ripe: Ken Forrester’s top priced Dirty Little Secret could be
tasted alongside Botanica, Cederberg, Winery of Good Hope and the Bernard
Series Old Vines Chenin from Bellingham. We particularly loved the Carl Everson
from Opstal
Cape Grace's Head Sommelier Marvin
Gwese joking with Sebastian Beaumont
The Cape Grace came up with
some very good canapés and small dishes to enjoy while we tasted all the wines
And a splendid dessert table
for the end. A tower of Macarons
and other decadent desserts
Zakkie Bester with his Bester
Chenin Blanc
What a nice tribute from
Boplaas to Ina! It really was a superb tasting. Chenin is growing in stature
and reputation, here and overseas. The Association markets it as a brand so
well. It is South African sunshine in a glass
No comments:
Post a Comment