SA Chenin Blancs highlighted in New York Times

Eric Asimov, who wrote the article together with a tasting panel consisting of Florence Fabricant, Mina Belhaj-Rouas, the wine director for Punch and Wined Up, and Philippe Buttin, the former sommelier at Le Bernardin, tried and tested 25 Chenin blancs from South Africa. They described the Fleur du Cap Chenin Blanc 2005 as “bright, fresh and minerally, with the classic Chenin Blanc signature of tart-and-honey. It’s delicious and only US$10.”

In 2006, Fleur du Cap secured its position as one of SA’s leading Chenin Blanc producers for the second year in a row, with its 2005 vintage elevated to Super Chenin status by the South African Chenin Blanc Association. Its predecessor, the prized Fleur du Cap Chenin Blanc 2004, was rated a Super Chenin in 2005.

The Chenin Blanc Association – representing the majority of producers in South Africa – established the classification of “Super Chenin” to give recognition to top Chenin Blanc producers that are consistent in quality excellence.

Fleur du Cap has earned repute for its Chenin Blancs and all previous vintages have been recognised as having all the complexities and elegance of a fine Chenin Blanc.

Fleur du Cap’s lightly wooded Chenin Blanc 2002 and 2004 Chenin Blanc both scooped Double Gold medals at the 2004 Veritas Awards, while the 2003 Chenin Blanc won a Gold medal. The 2003 vintage was also selected as one of the wines showing “Great Expressions of Chenin” at the 2004 Rendez-vous du Chenin in Loire, France. Its forerunner, Fleur du Cap Chenin Blanc 2002, clinched four stars at the 2004 Wine Magazine TOPS at SPAR Chenin Blanc Challenge and was honoured at the 2003 Rendez-vous du Chenin.