Lauded Chenin that suits the pocket

It’s an exciting time to see why those little stickers adorn some bottles of wine. From a consumer perspective, however, many people might start to perceive a decorated bottle of wine as out of their reach.

Fears during a recession or economic downturn may affect the way people perceive their lifestyle and wine, as a want not a need, often suffers. But walking around the Trophy Wine Show, I couldn’t help but notice the number of wines with major accolades that retail for under R100.

Uitkyk Chenin Blanc 2015’s gold medal was a triumph for the wine as much as it was for the variety. It is rich in character, structure and personality and a fine rendition of the wine-making philosophy of the Uitkyk Wine Estate, which dates back to 1712.

The 600ha farm is situated on a shoulder of Simonsberg Mountain in the Stellenbosch wine region. The grapes for this wooded Chenin Blanc were hand-harvested from a certified single vineyard block which is 370-years-old.

Although trellised, the vines simulate bush vines due to their age. Leaf breaks encourage the formation of raisins, enhancing the flavour profile with an elegant richness. Uitkyk is famous for its portfolio of wines but only began producing a single vineyard Chenin Blanc five years ago and then only in years when deemed e x c e p t i o n a l , and in limited quantities.

Uitkyk Chenin Blanc 2015 is available for just R75 and can be delivered to your door when purchased online through the Vinotèque at www.vinoteque.co.za/collections/uitkyk.