South Africa Chenin Blanc - Cooper's Hawk March 2018 Wine of the Month
Think back to a moment when you looked around and felt inspired, impressed, ready for more. That was Cooper’s Hawk Winemaker Rob Warren’s sense on his first trip to Stellenbosch, a designated Wine of Origin region in South Africa. The trip occurred back in the days before Rob worked in wine, but his career path would take a meaningful turn as he stood in the vineyards just outside of Cape Town and tasted the wine. This was the trip that inspired his decision to enter the winemaking world. Stellenbosch, 25 miles from Cape Town, is nestled between coastal mountain ranges in a pleasant, Mediterranean climate. The area is a historical haven for Chenin Blanc, once called “Steen” by local winemakers who, until the 1960s, were unaware that this varietal was the very same as the famed Chenin Blanc of France’s Loire Valley. Chenin Blanc has been cultivated for over 400 years in Stellenbosch vineyards originally planted by Dutch settlers to supply thirsty merchants rounding the Cape of Good Hope. The area is rich with a variety of soil types and vineyard locations, making the Stellenbosch region a timeless source for world-class wines. Though currently reinvigorated, the region has experienced a disrupted history. For much of the twentieth century, these wines were inaccessible due to apartheid embargoes. South African wines, including Chenin Blanc, have since exploded onto the wine scene and are now considered essential by wine lovers worldwide. Today, South Africa produces more of the varietal than the rest of the wine-producing world combined, and is synonymous with this fresh, versatile, aromatically fruity white wine. It’s no surprise that this bountiful and promising region dazzled Rob, as this wine will impress and captivate you! Pair Cooper’s Hawk Chenin Blanc with Pan- Roasted Barramundi or Ellie’s Chicken Piccata for a meal that shows off a range of flavors, textures, and delightful aromatics. Join the Wine Club at https://chwinery.com/wine-club/overview
