Wine: Mount Rozier Reserve The Beekeeper Chenin Blanc

Country: South Africa

Region: Western Cape

Designation: W.O. Western Cape

Producer: Mount Rozier

Grape Varietal: Chenin Blanc

ABV: 12.5%

Type: White

Code: 8505

Tasting Note

The wine has a striking, pale lime colour. This complex and classy Chenin Blanc offers aromas of white blossoms, ripe tropical and yellow stone fruit. On the palate you can enjoy white peach, citrus, and pink lady apple, underpinned by a delightful flinty freshness and delicate citrus finish. The palate is intense and well-rounded.

Producer

Purchased by the Gabb family (owners of Journey’s End winery) in 2009, Mount Rozier was founded at the turn of the 19th century by Annie Rozier, a flower merchant. The Gabbs have nurtured the estate and encouraged the proliferation of many indigenous species of flora and fauna, which inspire the characteristics of Mount Rozier wines. Each wine brings a sense of the terroir and the winery continues to focus on minimal intervention, sustainable and ethical farming practices and irreconcilable quality.

Winemaking

The grapes were hand-harvested at optimum ripeness from old Swartland Chenin Blanc bush vines. Gentle crushing with minimal skin contact takes place before the juice is separated from the skins. Fermentation takes place with a yeast strain selected to capture the fruity Chenin aromas. The wine matures for three months on its fresh lees to create a wine with a fuller mouthfeel.

Fun Fact

The Beekeeper Chenin Blanc is a dry wine with plenty of attractive stone fruits. However, Chenin is known for its honey-like notes which fleetingly appear and disappear, flitting around just like a bee. So that makes the winemaker…. a Beekeeper.

Food pairing

A great wine for pairing with richer white meats, as well as light summer dishes.