Wine: Percheron Chenin Blanc Viognier

Country: South Africa

Region: Western Cape

Designation: WO Western Cape 

Brand/Producer: Percheron

Grape Varietal: 75% Chenin Blanc & 25% Viognier

ABV: 13.0%

Type: White

Code: 2281

Tasting Note

Vibrant and aromatic with delicious subtle perfumed aromas with white peach and hints of jasmine on the nose. On the palate it has tight, white, fleshy stone fruit and fresh apricot flavours. Bright acidity and minerality helps to deliver a delicious flavoursome and characteristic wine.

Producer

Percheron wines are a contemporary range of wines celebrating the history of the Percheron, a breed of heavy draft horses which were used in South African viticulture and the ancient vines they once tended to. A breed of French, heavy horses, Percheron horses were regularly used in the vineyard many years ago. 

The Percheron wines are made exclusively from old-vine fruit, grown in sites discovered by winemaker Ryno Byoosen in the farthest flung corners of the Cape, many of which were first established in Percheron horses’ heyday. Today, these wines celebrate traditional South African cultivars and the re-introduction of the Percheron to work the vineyards.

Winemaking

This wine is made up of 75% Chenin Blanc and 25% Viognier. The grapes are grown on 30+ year old trellised Chenin and 15 year old Viognier from hidden corners of the Cape. In the Brede River Valley, the vineyards stretch along the lower contours of the Hex River and Langberg Mountains. The soil is mainly a Karoo type, red, lime rich soil on the higher grounds and sandy loam lower down the slopes. The climate is perfect for viticulture with the low rainfall summer months, tempered by cool afternoons and the cold winters allowing the vines to rest and to build up the reserves. Part of the Chenin Blanc is wild yeast fermented and kept on the yeast lees for as long as possible in order to achieve a long, juicy and rounded palate with a crisp fresh finish.

Fun Fact

While today’s vineyards are farmed using modern agricultural machinery, Percheron horses are now being used again in artisan vineyards in South Africa. The vineyard managers are finding that the horses’ hooves are gentler to the soil and they fit easily between the closely planted old vines without damaging the plants.

Food pairing

Grilled prawns with plenty of garlic and chili, whole lemon sole fried in butter and also delicate freshwater fish dishes.