Chenin Blanc has had a reputation for being ‘that other white wine’. It’s not as known and loved as Sauvignon Blanc, and it doesn’t have the swagger of Chardonnay. But I have seen the change and I like it!

Thanks to the growth of this special white grape right here in South Africa, Chenin Blanc has crept into my heart one sip at a time. It is often branded the speciality wine of South Africa in fact this is what Goodtaste.co.za had to say about this wine:

South Africa has more Chenin blanc plantings than any other country in the world, with 18,5% of the country’s 95 775 hectares planted to the varietal. Not only is it the most widely cultivated local grape but local plantings represent more than those established anywhere else in the world combined. A popular choice for South African brandy producers for much of the 20th century, it has been transformed from workhorse to glamour grape under the Chenin Blanc Association, chaired by well-known producer Ken Forrester, who has played a major role in rehabilitating its image. Today, many of the country’s foremost winemakers choose Chenin for their flagship offerings, winning widespread international recognition for these wines.

This past weekend was particularly HOT. It also just happened to be the first day of Spring so in an effort to embody the change in seasons, came a change in my palette. I always opt for something less fruity and smoother, so I was lucky enough to find the KWV Chenin Blanc. I couldn’t find a 2015 vintage, so I settled for the 2017.

This wine is a great example of modern-styled, South African Chenin blanc, which shows true elegance. It displays upfront green, fresh-cut grass, canned peas and ripe paw-paw aromas with hints of guava and asparagus on the nose. The palate is vibrant and fresh with a linear acidity and an enduring finish. – KWV Website.

This 2017 Vintage is priced under R100 at Checkers where I bought it and this wine will definitely go onto my list of Good wines under R100.