Coterie by Wildeberg Chenin Blanc Grenache Blanc, WO Coastal Region 2023

A ripe, succulent combination of 65% Chenin from a 40 year old Franschhoek vineyard and 35% Grenache Blanc from Paarl, both naturally fermented and aged 6 months in 2nd and 3rd fill 600 litre barrels.

PRODUCTION Wildeberg’s rationale is to source the finest vineyards available to us across Franschhoek and the Coastal Region, from which cuvées the eyes are plucked to make Wildeberg and the Terroir Series releases. In doing so there remains a small yet definitive expression of all the vineyards we worked with, and its these cuvees that are again selected to go into Coterie by Wildeberg. Chenin and Grenache Blanc complement each other well. Both varietals love the Coastal Region’s arid soils and Mediterranean climate due to their inherent tolerance to drought. Both components were naturally fermented in 600 litre French oak barrels. The Chenin is from an old, low-yielding Franschhoek vineyard planted in 1962 (65%). This brings freshness and tightness to the blend, the old vines also bring Wildeberg’s hallmark texture. The Grenache Blanc is from vibrant, younger plantings Paarl (35%), adding body and structure with this cultivars naturally exotic notes of jasmine and white spice. 65% 2nd fill and 35% 3rd fill barrels.

TASTING NOTE A ripe, open nose with white peach, apricots and hints of jasmine flowers. The palate shows texture and generosity from the old bush vine Chenin, veiled with white spice and exotic notes from the younger, alluring Grenache Blanc, the whole ultimately finishing rich, yet fresh and textural.

FOOD MATCH This is a rich, textural wine whose body and exotic jasmine notes would ably marry with gentle Malay and Thai green fish curries, dishes with lemongrass and coriander, or just simply braai-ed linefish