2020 Harry Hartman Church Swartland Chenin blanc

The Church Swartland is a 100% Chenin Blanc whose fruit comes from Bushvine in the Paardeberg region. The soils are a combination of quartz soil, shale and ferricrete laterite. The grapes are 100% pressed as a whole bunch. Spontaneous malolactic fermentation and maturation take place in barrique. The fermentation peaks at 20°C. The barrels are 100% French, mainly Damy, D&J's Marcel Cadet and Taransaud 225 and 300 litres. Aging takes place after 11 months in oak barrels of the second, third and fourth filling. Ripening on coarse lees. Stirring dregs only during the first few months. IPW certified. Vegan friendly. Very minimal yield of (only) an average of 6 tons/ha.

This wine is as tantalizing as Chenin Blanc likes, brimming with tropical fruits that will seduce wine drinkers with an affinity for expressive wines. It is packed with aromas of ripe kumquat, guava, frangipani and freshly cut nectarine. Soft notes of fennel and dill provide a savory shine. As the wine warms up in your glass, it becomes even more appealing with cinnamon-powdered melon and pineapple. Secondary flavors add apricot yogurt sweetness and fresh, flaky pastry notes. The wine is dry with a spicy acidity. A contrasting play on a creamy mouthfeel and chalky texture adds complexity. An ideal partner for Mediterranean cuisine. For example with octopus carpaccio. The oceanic softness and texture of the octopus will complement the fruity character of this wine, complemented by a salad with arugula, rosemary and a drizzle of sun-dried tomato oil as an added savory component.
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