# Asda Extra Special Chenin Blanc (2025)

- **Producer:** Asda
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chenin Blanc
- **Region:** Western Cape, South Africa
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €8
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** apple, pear, peach, apricot, lemon, melon, cream

## About this wine

Sourced from the sun-drenched vineyards of Paarl in South Africa's Western Cape, this Chenin Blanc is curated by Asda's sourcing arm, IPL, under the direction of wine manager Clive Donaldson. By bypassing traditional middlemen and working directly with local growers, this initiative secures high-quality fruit, often from older bush vines. Paarl's warm climate, tempered by cooling breezes, allows Chenin Blanc to develop rich, ripe characteristics while maintaining its signature vibrant energy.

## Interesting facts

- Sourced directly from Western Cape growers through Asda's IPL team, bypassing traditional brokers to offer exceptional value.
- Paarl's unique terroir features ancient decomposed granite soils, which contribute distinctive mineral undertones to the wine.
- Chenin Blanc is South Africa's most widely planted grape variety, locally historically known as 'Steen'.

## Food pairing

The vibrant acidity of this Chenin Blanc cuts beautifully through rich, creamy sauces and oily fish, while its ripe fruit profile complements mild aromatic spices and tangy cheeses like goat's cheese.

## Wine making process

The grapes are harvested during the cool early morning hours of the 2025 vintage to preserve fresh fruit aromatics. Following gentle pressing, the juice undergoes cool fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. This protective, unoaked winemaking style ensures the pure, vibrant varietal character of South African Chenin Blanc is fully expressed, focusing on crispness and immediate fruit appeal.