Momento Chenin Blanc Verdelho 2019
For Marelise, Chenin Blanc without Verdelho is like dancing without music. Verdelho adds the zing and zest to this blend, giving it that extra twist of freshness, energy and rhythm. The Chenin Blanc grapes come from 40-year-old, dry farmed bush vines in the Swartland and a 36-year-old vineyard in Bot River called ‘Langbene’ (Long legs) named after the vines’ extremely long trunks. The Verdelho grapes come from a vineyard in Voor-Paardeberg planted on decomposed granite and clay, as well as a vineyard in Bot River grown on Bokkeveld shale. The decomposed granite soils, combined with the Swartland’s warm and arid climate, produce excellent richness and generosity on the palate. The shale and clay soils, as well as Bot River’s Atlantic influence, contribute texture and focus. Marelise employs a minimalist approach in the cellar to ensure the purest expression of vineyard and variety. The grapes were gently whole bunch basket-pressed. Fermentation took place in 225 and 400 litre old French oak barrels using indigenous yeasts. Some of the fine lees was added back to the juice in barrel to allow for more complex characters and textures to develop. The wine was aged for 10 months in barrel following 100% malolactic fermentation, and bottled without fining. Aromas of white peach, lemon rind and jasmine with wet stone minerality adding freshness and focus. Mouth-watering acidity supports a full bodied, mouth-coating palate. Notes of brioche and tart lemon curd lead to a long, pithy finish.
