Happy times for Bellingham Wines, as they take not only a top 10 spot in the Standard Bank Chenin Blanc Top Ten Challenge 2014 for this wine, but also a top 10 in the Absa Pinotage Challenge this year. Well done Niëll Groenewald, Bellingham’s Chief Winemaker since 2004.
The grapes for the Bellingham The Old Orchards Chenin Blanc 2013 come from bush vines grown in decomposed granite in the Agter-Paarl area. Low yields of about seven tons a hectare assured big flavours and aromas in the wine. Most of the wine was matured in second-fill French Oak Barrels – this added to the mouthfeel, flavours and complexity.
It looks like Rich, gem-bright, pale straw with lime flashes around the edges of the glass when held up to the light.
It smells like All the classical Chenin aromas. White flowers, windfall citrus, yellow apples and a whisper of oak spice.
It tastes like Great mouthfeel. Rich and textures. Citrus and tropical fruits like guava and ripe melon. Lovely balance of fruit, oak, acidity and length of aftertaste.
It’s good with The wine is quite capable of handling full flavours weight for weight. Carey Boucher-Erasmus’s sticky chutney chicken wings with cucumber salad are the perfect answer for your weekend braai lunch.
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Photography Courtesy