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Fairview Darling Chenin Blanc 2011
Producer
Fairview is situated on the lower slopes of Mount Paarl, which is more sheltered from the moderating maritime influence than nearby Stellenbosch.
Fairview was planted with vines as early as 1699. The property was bought by the grandfather of current owner Charles Back in 1937. Fairview has a reputation for consistent quality across a range of innovative styles, using both classic and unusual varieties. Charles leads the field in South Africa in matching varieties to specific sites. The Fairview estate now has a total of 586 hectares of vineyard over four appellations: Paarl (350 hectares), Swartland (115 hectares), Darling (86 hectares) and Stellenbosch (35 hectares). This vineyard ownership in so many different regions allows Charles to produce a wide range of wines, from grapes grown in optimal conditions.
Vineyards
The grapes for this wine are from a bushvine vineyard on the west facing hills outside Darling, at approximately 300m above sea level. The vineyard was planted in 2001 on Richter 99 rootstock and is dryland farmed. The soil in this vineyard is decomposed granite, differentiating it from the surrounding vineyards which are mainly oakleaf soils. The crop was thinned down to two bunches per shoot.
Vintage Information
The grapes were harvested on 3 February and 9 February 2011, at 21.7°B and 22.7B, respectively. The dry winter and hot summer had a significant effect especially on the dryland vineyards, resulting in lower yields. This has produced a wine with less mineral character, more tropical flavours and a rich textured mouthfeel.
Vinification
The fruit was destalked and lightly crushed into separator tanks. Only the free-run juice was used for this wine and it was allowed to settle for two days. The clear juice was racked off and fermented using Vin 7 yeasts at approximately 12 degrees centigrade. Fermentation lasted 20 days. Once completed the wine was left on the fine lees for three months prior to bottling. No malolactic fermentation was allowed.
Tasting Notes
Intense pear aromas on the nose with soft straw undertones. Opulent pear and tropical fruit continue on the palate with well-integrated freshness. The lees contact adds generous mouthfeel and length.
| Vintage |
2011 |
| Grape varieties |
100% Chenin Blanc |
| Region |
Paarl |
| Winemaker |
Anthony de Jager |
| Closure |
Stelvin |
| Alcohol (ABV) |
13.5% |
