This wine is beautifully balanced fruity flavours of pear and stone fruit band the natural acidity you expect from a good Chenin Blanc. A richly satisfying wine to enjoy on its own, or with dishes like roast chicken and arancini.
Vineyard Background:
The grapes used to produce this characterful Chenin Blanc comes from old Paarl bush vine vineyards. They are planted on weathered shale soils with high clay content, are dryland farmed and have become well buffered against drought over the years. These prized vineyards are meticulously managed for premium quality which includes shoot thinning for optimal growth and crop control.
Vinivication:
A portion of the wine is wild fermented for a fuller mouthfeel and more density on the palate, while the rest is inoculated with a cultured yeast strain. Some of the finest barrel-matured Chenin Blanc batches in the Bellingham cellar make their way into this wine, blended with a more fruit-forward unoaked component. The result is a beautiful balance between structure and purity. Lees stirring is performed once a month for several months to enhance flavour extraction and complexity.
Tasting Note:
The nose is evocative of the old orchards on the Bellingham farm from which this wine takes its name, with juicy stone fruit and pears providing an enticing entry. The intricate fruit core is supported by a textured mouthfeel and slight creaminess, with delicious candied lime notes on the long finish. A richly satisfying wine to enjoy on its own, or with dishes like roast chicken and arancini.
Wine Estate:
Nestled between the slopes of the Groot Drakenstein mountains in the Franschhoek Valley, lies the Bellingham Farm, founded in 1693. These wines brings homage to the Bellingham approach of excellence, innovation and quality winemaking through region-specific sourcing of grapes and showcasing the most interesting varietals South Africa has to offer.
