South Africa Chenin Blanc

This is a sort of reverse WTN. I've come across an online site offering a surprisingly large number of inexpensive South Africa Chenins, including those listed below that I can find nothing about. Would appreciate comments from readers who have tasted any of them.

Kumhani
Backsberg
Groote Post
Robert Rocks (Chenin/Chardonnaay and Cinsault/Chenin)
Simonsig
Sizanani
Spice Route

Purchased the Robert Rocks Chenin blend whilst down in Medicine Hat at Xmas. Pretty much entry level juice, nothing special. Backsberg might be good?

Cinsault/Chenin

Blended together in the same wine?

That sounds strange and horrifying at the same time.

I've heard quite a few good things about Spice Route - both their Syrah and Chenin Blanc. Haven't had the chance to try any of their wines (yet to see any at retail), so can't comment - but would be interested to hear how it is if you do try it.

If you don't mind divulging - which retailer is this?

Dan Smothergill :
Cinsault/Chenin


Blended together in the same wine?

That sounds strange and horrifying at the same time.

Done. At the extravagant price of $6.09 a bottle that's good enough reason for me to give it a try.

If you don't mind divulging - which retailer is this?

No problem. It’s winechateau.com. Has anyone dealt with them?

Kumhani
Backsberg
Groote Post
Robert Rocks (Chenin/Chardonnaay and Cinsault/Chenin)
Simonsig
Sizanani
Spice Route


Kumkani I think you mean - not tried any, good reputation

Roberts Rock is a brand of KWV -- respectable vintages recently

Backsberg, fgood amily owned winery. Son of owner has blog at http://www.backsberg.co.za/blog/

Simonsig -- very good family owned winery. Their basic Chenin has won the Platter inexpensice quaffer award a couple of times

Sizanini is a 'empowerment' project label from Bellevue Estate winery. Very cheap (at cellar door) and I though very good wine for money

Spice Route -- bighitter


I'd go for any of the last 4 on winery reputation, but, you don't mention what vintage though. On fresh unwooded Chenin you need a young vintage. A 2008 Simonsig I'd say buy without fail, a 2000 vintage of same I'd pass

There is a huge variation in styles of making Chenin, (dry, medium, sweet, woooded, unwooded etc) and the same winery can make more than one, so just a winery name without any more details is a bit like askig for advice on a second hand car when all the information to hand is that its a Ford

There is a huge variation in styles of making Chenin, (dry, medium, sweet, woooded, unwooded etc) and the same winery can make more than one, so just a winery name without any more details is a bit like askig for advice on a second hand car when all the information to hand is that its a Ford

Thanks for your comments Peter. It's hard in some cases to figure out on the site just which of a particular producer's Chenins is being offered. Price is helpful sometimes but not always. I find it's a problem on many web sites.