Radford Dale - Vinum Chenin Blanc 2023
The Radford Dale estate is located in the Stellenbosch region, in the heart of the Western Cape in South Africa, one of the country's most renowned vineyards. Founded by Ben Radford and Alex Dale, the estate aims to produce wines that clearly express the identity of South African terroirs while favoring sustainable farming practices and minimal cellar intervention. The vineyards are notably situated on the slopes of the Helderberg, an area benefiting from maritime influences thanks to the proximity of False Bay and cool winds from the Atlantic Ocean. This geographical location helps preserve the natural acidity of the grapes despite an overall sunny climate. The estate has particularly distinguished itself through its work with Chenin Blanc, a historic grape variety of the South African vineyard, which it seeks to interpret with precision and freshness. The Vinum range embodies this approach by offering cuvées faithful to their origin and accessible in style. The Vinum Chenin Blanc 2023 thus illustrates the estate's desire to highlight the varietal purity and natural balance of the grape.
The Vinum Chenin Blanc 2023 comes from old vines planted notably on granitic soils located on the foothills of the Helderberg. These vines, often grown under dry farming conditions without irrigation, develop deep roots that draw water from the subsoil and contribute to the natural concentration of the grapes. The harvest is done manually to preserve the integrity of the clusters and the aromatic precision of the fruit. After gentle pressing, fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts in various containers, including large oak vats and previously used French oak barrels, to bring complexity while preserving the expression of the grape variety. The aging continues for several months on the lees, which enhances the wine's texture without masking its freshness. This low-intervention approach aims to produce a balanced and clear Chenin Blanc, faithful to the elegant style sought by the estate.
On the palate, the Vinum Chenin Blanc 2023 presents an expressive nose dominated by aromas of ripe pear, white peach, and melon, accompanied by citrus notes such as lemon zest and sometimes delicate floral nuances. The mouth is distinguished by an elegant texture and a lively acidity that brings dynamism and precision. Flavors of white-fleshed fruits blend with a subtle lemony touch and a slight honeyed dimension that appears upon aeration. The balance rests on a harmonious combination of fruit, freshness, and a discreet influence of aging. The finish, clear and persistent, reveals a slight noble bitterness that enhances the sensation of freshness. This South African Chenin Blanc pairs particularly well with grilled fish, shellfish, lightly spiced dishes, or roasted poultry.
Grape variety: 100% Chenin Blanc
