Wild House Chenin Blanc 2020

Chenin Blanc is the backbone grape varietal of South Africa, being the most profusely planted variety in the country. At Wildeberg they aimed to capture the true sense of place and terroir, aging Wild House Chenin Blanc without oak to keep the wines freshness and character alive. Ripe peach and tropical fruits sit on the nose with notes of pear. Crisp acidity with a honeyed texture and hints of citrus and lychee, followed by a fresh tang of mandarin on the palate and a bright, juicy finish.

Boutinot have been making wines in South Africa since the early 1990s, when they first searched the land for interesting and lesser known grape varieties and introduced practices such as wild yeast fermentations and non-interventionalist viticulture with their partner growers. Today, they are based in South Africa at Wildeberg (Wild Mountain) on the edge of Franschhoek. Formally an equestrian farm, they were drawn in by the undefinable enegery of the mountainous land, which had never before been planted with vines.

This passion, love of the land and drive to discover is instilled in their winemakers who travel around the Western Cape, teaming up with partners that enable them to make distinctive and high quality wines. Most of Boutinot's grower suppliers are now second and third generation, reinforcing longstanding partnerships and sharing their beliefs in long-term sustainability. It is these partnerships that help to make truly individual wines that champion regionality and old bush vines.