One for lovers of a full flavoured, savoury styled white wine. Bellingham has some excellent finds among their Bernard Series, named after Bernard Podlashuk, one of the founders of the brand. South Africa embraced the Loire grape, Chenin Blanc, early in their vinous history and the vines producing the grapes for this wine are nearly all 40 – 50 years old.  As with old vines, the yields are lower and the grapes take on a graceful intensity in character.

This Chenin has been given a polish with some new and old oak with some regular lees stirring so the fruit has plenty of spicy, savoury appeal and some added fleshiness along a soft acid backbone. It is a tropical fruit cup of mango, melon and stonefruit that is a great companion for food. Do not overchill this wine and it will reward you with a rich and creamy blend of fruit and spicy oak.

Quickie review «A savoury spiced take on the classic Loire grape, Chenin Blanc with lush tropical fruit in abundance.»

Country of Origin: South Africa
Tasting Date: May 2018
Price: US $24| UK £13.50
Drink: now – 3 years
Needs food: no, but it is a good food wine
Source: tasting
For more information visit bellinghamwines.com