Ken Forrester Petit Chenin Blanc 2008
This Chenin Blanc is from the Stellenbosch region of South Africa. I was once told to think of this region as “the Napa Valley of South Africa.” According to the back label, this winery practices sustainable farming, abstaining from the use of herbicides and pesticides. Their laborious handiwork not only creates careful and attentive wines, it also provides employment for their community.
I poured a modest glass to sip while nipping away at cave-aged krystal cheddar cheese with my friend, Ian, as we whiled away a Friday night with saved episodes of Nigella Express. We oohed and ahhed at her brilliance. Imagined collaborating a wintery bounty of pastas and soups galore. Nigella purred over a thick, gooey toffee sauce. Ian remembered his need of a Dutch oven. And, I eyed her skillet…Oops, yet another tool over which to pine…
Sniff: There’s much to busy a nose in this white. Petrol followed by waxy, honeyed dried apricots. A sprinkle of cumin for good measure and musk.
Taste: I weed my way through lemon zest toward toasty fennel seeds. A salty backbone supports tart peach and green apple. There is a medium body and acidity. The spicy finish keeps the mouth salivating for more of the fuzzy apricot skin and lemon juice appearing on a splendid finish.
I’m incredibly pleased to see that the wine is made using sustainable farming. Thanks for testing this one out for us. Great picture too!
El,
Many thanks. As I was working on this post, I happily noticed this wine on a wine list at a local restaurant. Cheers to “green” wines!
Chenin blanc (like Chablis) picked up a bad rep sometime in the 1980s I too have been enjoying my re-introduction. GREG
Greg/SippitySup,
Oh, do share your faves with me!
I very much like south African wines. Any of the Goats du roam, this one looks good. And Nigella…..oh I love her!
I haven’t explored South African wines for a while. I’m loving your reviews of sustainable wines. This sounds like another great one!
Sounds delightful especially together with an cave-aged cheddar, yum!
Tina Marie,
Yes, she’s a doll! I also like the Goats du Roam selections.
Lisaiscooking,
Many thanks, lady. I needed to narrow my vino focus and figured “green” wines deserved divided attention. One of my dreams is to open a small shop brimming with sustainable wines and perfectly paired organic snacks.
Natasha – 5 Star Foodie,
This cave-aged cheddar is a huge weakness of mine. It’s for purchase at: http://www.sidwainer.com/ . A cheddar corn chowder recipe is in the works!