Mullineux Old Vines White 2023
The Mullineux Old Vines White continues the marriage of old vine Chenin Blanc with Mediterranean white grape varieties planted on the Granite, Schist and Iron based soils of the Swartland. Low yielding old-vine Chenin Blanc brings incredible texture as the backbone of the blend and is grown on all three soil types. Layers of lively freshness, salinity and opulent fragrance are brought by Grenache Blanc, Clairette Blanche, Semillon Gris, Verdelho and Viognier. All the vineyards are sustainably farmed and are up to 67 years old. Each vineyard for the Mullineux Old Vines White was carefully hand-harvested to respect the low juice-to-berry ratio inherent to the old vines. Once the cool grapes were oxidatively whole-bunch pressed, the juice was allowed to settle overnight. Indigenous yeast saw the wine through its primary fermentation that lasted up to nine weeks and any natural malolactic fermentation was allowed to take its course. The wine was left on its lees in barrel until spring to refine and build on the complex flavours of this signature ensemble. It was then racked after 11 months, left to settle for another 30 days before bottling. This blend of Old Vine Chenin blanc with Mediterranean varieties pairs extremely well with fragrant and spicy cuisine. The floral nose shows upfront aromas of white peach blossom and hints of white pepper, whilst the palate bursts with vibrant acidity, sumptuous nectarines and yellow grapefruit.
