# Delaire Graff Swartland Reserve Chenin Blanc (2016)

- **Producer:** Delaire Graff Estate
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chenin Blanc
- **Region:** Western Cape, South Africa
- **Style:** Classic
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–13 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** lemon, lime, peach, apricot, banana, almond, vanilla, cloves, honey, almond

## About this wine

The Delaire Graff Swartland Reserve Chenin Blanc 2016 is a single-varietal wine crafted from 100% Chenin Blanc grapes. It originates from the Swartland region in South Africa, renowned for its old bush vines. Delaire Graff Estate, a luxury property, sources fruit from this distinctive terroir to create this reserve bottling. Winemaker Morné Vrey's philosophy emphasizes capturing the essence of old-vine Swartland Chenin, focusing on freshness and structure. The 2016 vintage's dry conditions contributed to concentrated fruit from the region's ancient, dry-farmed vines.

## Interesting facts

- Grapes come from 30-40 year old dry-farmed bush vines.
- Winemaker Morné Vrey avoids malolactic fermentation to preserve acidity.
- The wine is aged in a mix of French oak barrels and large Foudre.
- The 2016 vintage was exceptionally dry, impacting crop size.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium-plus acidity cuts through richer dishes, while its complex fruit and subtle oak notes complement poultry, pork, and robust fish. The minerality provides a refreshing counterpoint to creamy textures.

## Wine making process

The Delaire Graff Swartland Reserve Chenin Blanc undergoes meticulous winemaking. Grapes are carefully sorted before whole-bunch pressing without added sulphur. Fermentation occurs in French oak barrels, with a specific focus on preserving the wine's natural acidity by omitting malolactic fermentation and bâtonnage. The wine is then aged for 10 months in a combination of 400-litre barrels and large Foudre, allowing for nuanced oak integration. The 2016 vintage's dry conditions contributed to concentrated fruit, which these techniques aim to showcase.