Wildeberg Terroirs Chenin Blanc Paarl

Tasting Notes from the Curator

Wildeberg Terroirs Chenin Blanc dazzles with its vibrant and intricate flavor profile. On the nose, expect a harmonious blend of citrus and stone fruits with lemon, lime, and grapefruit opening, followed by peach, apricot, and nectarine. These primary aromas are complemented by subtle floral notes and mineral undertones, reflecting the unique terroir of Paarl.

The wine’s flavor is rich and layered, featuring dominant ripe pear and crisp apple notes, underpinned by a sweet touch of honey. Citrus flavors mirror the aroma, refreshing and reinforcing the wine’s complexity. Intertwined with these flavors are subtle minerality and floral nuances that invite exploration.

Its texture is equally captivating, offering a smooth and creamy mouthfeel balanced by a crisp acidity. This perfect harmony showcases the wine’s ability to be both weighty and refreshing—a testament to its meticulous crafting from the Paarl terroir. Wildeberg Terroirs Chenin Blanc stands out as a sophisticated choice within its category, appealing to casual drinkers and connoisseurs seeking a wine of distinguished elegance and complexity.

Pairings & Suggestions

Seafood:

• Grilled Lemon Herb Fish with citrus marinade beautifully complements the wine’s lemony notes, balancing the dish’s richness.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp matches well with the wine’s fruity notes, cutting through the shrimp’s butteriness.

Poultry:

• Herb-Roasted Chicken pairs with the wine’s acidity, enhancing the herbs and juicy texture.
• Citrus Chicken Salad echoes the wine’s citrus flavors, balancing the richness of avocado.

Light Salads:

• Arugula & Pear Salad, with its fruity components, pairs with the wine’s pear notes, while its acidity cuts through the cheese’s creaminess.
• Quinoa & Avocado Salad, light and refreshing, harmonizes with the wine’s fresh flavors.

Cheese:

• Soft Brie or Camembert offers a creamy contrast to the wine’s acidity and fruitiness.
• Fresh Goat Cheese, with its tanginess, aligns with the wine’s citrus and stone fruit notes.

  A Legacy Rooted in Terroir

The Wildeberg Terroirs Chenin Blanc is a celebration of Paarl’s rich winemaking heritage. Winemaking in South Africa traces back to the 17th century with Dutch settlers, where the first recorded production occurred in 1659 at the famous Constantia estate. Chenin Blanc, locally known as Steen, has been cultivated in the Coastal Region due to its thriving compatibility with the warm and dry climate, particularly in Paarl.

Wildeberg, as an estate, embodies a philosophy of sustainability and quality. By leveraging old bush vines over 45 years old, Wildeberg captures a nuanced complexity and depth in its Chenin Blanc. The older vines yield lower but highly concentrated fruit, enriching the wine with an intricate flavor profile. The estate’s commitment to organic and biodynamic practices not only preserves the environment but also enhances the quality of the grapes, emphasizing the importance of terroir in every sip.

Paarl itself, characterized by diverse microclimates and varied soils such as clay and granite, offers an idyllic terroir for creating wines with remarkable character. This makes Wildeberg Terroirs Chenin Blanc a testament to the rich viticultural legacy of the Western Cape, marrying tradition with precision in crafting an exquisite wine experience.

Storage Instructions

Store Wildeberg Terroirs Chenin Blanc at a consistent temperature of 10-15°C (50-59°F) with 60-70% humidity. Keep it away from light, heat, and vibrations to preserve its quality.