The Garden Route Chardonnay Chenin Blanc 2016

Sometimes, there are so many nuances in a glass of wine words fail to describe it. Yes, you could reach for the usual characteristics. 'Dry, refreshing, mouth-watering.' The usual 'apples, tropical fruits and pears.' But, frankly, that's lazy. Sometimes, a wine has you beat.

Like this one! On first tasting there was awkward silence, broken only by thoughtful 'hmmms' and frustrated sniffs. Until, finally, a voice piped up: "It's fine boss!" Now, he meant 'fine boss.' But the boss heard 'Fynbos', the beautiful heathland associated with South Africa's famous Garden Route. Few places on Earth have such diversity! (Any glass with this wine in it being one). And so, the name was set.

Following the Second World war, a group of visionary winemakers joined together to help provide wine farmers of the Western Cape with the facilities and expertise needed to produce quality wines on a larger and more sustainable scale. These collective efforts led to the founding of Simonsvlei wines in 1945, named in honour of the founder of the South African wine industry.

The winery continues to strive towards a goal of supplying the best quality wines at the best prices to their customers world-wide. Amongst their broad range of wines are the delicious ‘The Garden Route’ wines.

Mari Kotze was appointed winemaker in 2016 after joining the Simonsvlei team as Assistant Winemaker in 2012. She began her career in the industry with studies at Elsenburg Agricultural College, obtaining a degree in Cellar Management and Viticulture with a Diploma in Oenology. She has previously worked on varies harvests at a number of wineries such as Lammershoek, Villa Fonte, Marcus Huber and Pride Mountain in California.

Grapes for The Garden Route Chardonnay Chenin Blanc are grown on 10 to 15-year-old vines. Once picked, the fruit is crushed and destemmed before being fermented in stainless steel tanks for approximately two weeks. No milk or eggs are used at any point during the production of this wine.

A dry and refreshing white wine, Garden Route Chardonnay Chenin Blanc displays mouth-watering aromas of apples, pears and tropical fruit that carry through to the palate. This medium bodied drink is best enjoyed chilled and pairs well with chicken and seafood dishes.