Allee Bleue Chenin Blanc 2014
Wine of Origin: Franschhoek/ Walker Bay
Winemaker: Van Zyl du Toit
Background: Allée Bleue is situated on the outskirts of Franschhoek, and named after the old, blue eucalyptus trees which line the imposing entrance to the estate. The farm was bought in 1999, by the Dauphin family, who are owners of the prestigious German furniture manufacturer Dauphin Human Design Group.
The estate was founded in 1690 and covers an area of 150 hectares. Having not produced a drop of wine for close on 100 years the Dauphin’s resurrected the vineyards, which has paid off handsomely as they produce a range of excellent wines which have respect all over the world.
This year winemaker, Van Zyl du Toit, celebrates his 6thvintage with Allee Bleue and so we had a good excuse last week to enjoy his range of wines paired with a beautifully composed menu by the team at La Colombe, Constantia. The wines Van Zyl presented were all superb making it hard to pick one wine out for this weeks wine choice, but as summer is upon us I chose the Chenin. Van Zyl loves making this wine and to prove how good it is and how well it can benefit from aging he offered us the 2011 vintage. The wine had developed a lovely richness on the palate with an abundance of creamy lemon flavours which was a perfect match for the pan fried scallop and kimchi. The current vintage is the 2014 and is made in the same way as the 2011 which includes the addition of a small amount of Viognier (6%). Fermentation started in stainless steel tanks and having had 50% of the ferment complete the wine was then transferred to French oak barrels to complete the fermentation after which the wine was aged on the lees for six months prior to bottling.
Result: Significant aromas of rich tropical fruit with delicate hints of peach and apple lead to deliciously creamy rich fruit flavours with voluptuous lemony nougat clinching the finish.
When to drink: now till 2020
Drink with what: Barbecued line fish with lemon butter or just on its own!
Expect to pay (prices may differ nationally): R64.00
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