For the purposes of this tasting, all white blends containing a Chenin Blanc component of more than 15% and less than 85% were eligible. The idea is to recognize the growing category of wines which sees different white grapes combined in a formal way to produce something outstanding
The best wines tended to have great texture but also great freshness. What’s interesting is many winemakers eschew new oak – the wines typically vinified in big-format, old barrels and that texture is therefore derived from the grapes, often from old vines.
Darling Cellars Lime Kilns’ blend consists of 40% Chenin, 30% Chardonnay and 30% Viognier. A combination of new and old French oak barrels were used, about 80% new oak.
For more info go to http://winemag.co.za/cape-white-blend-report-2016-call-for-entries/