Tierhoek Chenin Blanc 2013

Wine of Origin: Piekenierskloof

Winery Location: Citrusdal

Winemaker: Roger Burton

Background: This week saw the unveiling of the top 20 Chenin Blancs in the Chenin Blanc Association’s annual Summer Showcase. A panel of tasters were given the task to taste through over 60 light, fresh and fruity style wines designed for the summer months ahead.

The final 20 included a favourite of mine which is from the Tierhoek winery. Their Chenin Blanc was the wine that put Tierhoek on the map – always being an elegant Chenin teeming with expression and flavour. For the 2013 vintage the grapes were picked from 36-year-old vines and matured for six months in second and third-fill French oak barrels which add to the fullness and complexity of the wine.

Result: Aromas of fresh tropical fruit and pineapple with hints of honeyed fynbos. Good, crisp acidity balances the intense fruit flavours. A taut yet textured wine with length.

When to drink: now until 2017

Drink with what: We enjoyed the wine with a Puglia Burrata cheese wrapped in Parma Ham with Israeli figs and a 15-year-old balsamic, prepared by the team at Meloncino’s in the Waterfront.

Expect to pay: R97.00

To order this wine, email Wine Concepts