Lanzerac Wine Estate, situated in the heart of the Stellenbosch Winelands and regarded as one of the country’s leading wine producers, has added two new wines to its already popular Premium range. The expansion of the range, which now includes a Chenin Blanc and Syrah, showcases innovation in the team’s winemaking practices.
We couldn’t have asked for better timing to release these wines. Chenin Blanc seems to be the talk of the town now and the quality of South African Chenin Blancs has shown vast improvement year on year. The same applies to the Syrah. – says Cellar Master Wynand Lategan.
Both varietals are produced from vineyards in the Jonkershoek Valley, one of the oldest and smallest wards in the greater Stellenbosch appellation. The Valley itself is entrenched by the Botmaskop, Jonkershoek and Stellenbosch mountains and despite the current drought in the Western Cape still regularly records higher rainfall figures than the rest of Stellenbosch. The lay of the Valley also means that the South-Eastern wind plays a major part in the Valley’s unique climate, resulting in a continuous cooling effect, even in the middle of the scorching summer months.
Regarded as a little bit more serious than a Sauvignon Blanc, Wynand feels that the Chenin Blanc shows typical varietal characteristics with an abundance of apricot and peach flavours, which are supported by ripe pineapple. The 22% Oak maturation ensures a soft, creamy finish with a lingering aftertaste. Perfect for lazy summer evenings as the weather starts to cool, the Lanzerac Chenin Blanc 2016 is ready to drink now and will reach its maximum potential if cellared correctly until 2018. The wine pairs beautifully with chicken liver parfait served with a homemade apple chutney and toasted brioche, sweet and sour pork, scallops, white-rind cheese such as Brie, and even roasted root vegetables.
As its name implies the Lanzerac Syrah 2015 personifies the cooler climate of the Jonkershoek Valley, and Wynand describes this lighter styled premium red wine – the first from Lanzerac in more than 10 years – as showing aromas of white pepper, coriander, fynbos and red wine poached plums, following through to a complex palate of ripe red and black berries with a savoury undertone.
The Chenin Blanc is available from the Lanzerac Tasting Room at R85 per bottle, and the Syrah sells at R140 per bottle. Members of the Lanzerac Wine Club qualify for a 20% discount and free delivery of 12 bottles or more, anywhere in South Africa. Both wines are expected to be available in select retail outlets nationwide from mid-2017.
