Rijk’s Reserve Chenin Blanc 2023

The Rijk’s Reserve Chenin Blanc 2023 is an exquisite example of how Chenin Blanc, a versatile and expressive grape, can be elevated to produce a full-bodied, complex white wine that captivates with every sip. This wine is a testament to the dedication to quality and meticulous attention to detail practiced at Rijk’s.

Cultivar:
100% Chenin Blanc, known for its ability to reflect its terroir and produce a range of flavors from the fresh and fruity to the rich and complex, depending on how it’s vinified.

Characteristics:
This is a full-bodied white wine, meticulously crafted to serve as an excellent companion to a variety of dishes, making it a superb choice for those seeking a versatile, food-friendly wine.

Tasting Notes:
The Rijk’s Reserve Chenin Blanc 2023 is golden-hued, indicative of its body and age potential. The nose is strikingly complex, featuring an attractive melange of tropical and yellow fruits like ripe melon and grapefruit, layered with nuances of cashew nuts and a subtle honey undertone. The use of oak is masterfully handled, supporting the natural flavors without overpowering them, allowing the true characteristics of the Chenin Blanc to come through. The finish is long and persistent, leaving a memorable impression that calls you back for another taste.

In the Vineyard:

Soil: The vines thrive in low-yielding, well-drained vertical shale/schist soils, which contribute to the concentration and complexity of the fruit flavors.
Yield: 4.6 tons/Ha, a testament to the focus on quality over quantity.
Aspect: South-East facing vines benefit from the morning sun, promoting slow and even ripening.
Trellis: A combination of 80% raised bush vines and 20% trellised vines (Vertical Shoot Positioning) ensures optimal sun exposure and air circulation, enhancing grape quality.
Harvest:
The grapes are harvested at night and by hand to ensure they remain cool and retain their flavorful nuances, essential for producing a wine of this caliber.

Cellar Practices:
The grapes undergo gentle crushing and pressing before being fermented in a mix of 40% new, 40% second fill, and 20% third fill 300-liter French oak barrels. Eighty percent of the fermentation is conducted naturally, which adds layers of complexity to the wine. After 12 months of maturation, the wine is carefully racked and blended, prepared for bottling.

Ageing Potential:
With an ageing potential of 12 years, this Chenin Blanc can be enjoyed now or cellared, allowing it to develop greater depth and complexity over time.

Serving Temperature:
Best served at 14°C to fully appreciate its intricate flavors and aromatic profile.

The Rijk’s Reserve Chenin Blanc 2023 is not just a wine but a reflection of the craft and care that goes into producing world-class Chenin Blanc. It is ideally suited for connoisseurs looking to explore the heights that this varietal can achieve, particularly when paired with gourmet dishes that complement its rich and varied palette.