Rijk’s Touch Chenin Blanc 2022

The Rijk’s Touch Chenin Blanc 2022 is a showcase of the elegance and versatility that Chenin Blanc can offer when expertly crafted. This medium-bodied white wine combines a fruit-driven profile with subtle oak influences to create a complex and layered drinking experience.

Cultivar:
100% Chenin Blanc, celebrated for its adaptability and its capacity to reflect the nuances of its terroir while maintaining a distinct varietal character.

Characteristics:
This Chenin Blanc is medium-bodied and fruit-driven, designed to highlight the fresh, vibrant flavors of the grape, complemented by a creamy texture that adds complexity and depth.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: The wine opens with a beautiful bouquet of lime, grapefruit, and Granny Smith apples, delivering a crisp and refreshing introduction. Additional stone-fruit aromas, such as peach and nectarine, are enriched with hints of citrus, quince, and pine nut, adding layers of complexity.
Palate: The palate is perfectly balanced, featuring a creamy texture that envelops flavors of orange, white peaches, and tropical fruits. The subtle use of oak uplifts the fruitiness of the wine, enhancing the overall flavor profile without overshadowing the vibrant fruit notes.
Finish: The finish is clean and lasting, leaving a pleasant aftertaste that encourages another sip.
In the Vineyard:

Soil: Low yielding, well-drained vertical shale/schist, ideal for producing concentrated and flavorful grapes.
Yield: 7.1 tons/Ha, balancing productivity with quality to ensure optimal fruit development.
Aspect: South-East facing, which maximizes sun exposure for ideal ripening.
Harvest:
The grapes were harvested at night and picked by hand to ensure that they remained cool and retained their delicate flavors, essential for maintaining the wine’s freshness.

Cellar Practices:
The grapes were gently crushed and pressed, followed by cold fermentation to preserve the aromatic freshness. The wine was then aged on the lees for 11 months to develop a creamy mouthfeel. A blend of 25% barrel-fermented wine with 75% tank-fermented wine introduces a wooded dimension that complements the fruit flavors without overwhelming them.

Ageing Potential:
This Chenin Blanc has an excellent ageing potential of up to 5 years post-vintage. Over time, it will develop greater complexity and depth, making it a superb candidate for cellaring.

Serving Temperature:
To best enjoy this wine, it is recommended to serve it chilled at 13°C (55°F). At this temperature, the wine’s aromatic profile and creamy texture are most pronounced.

Food Pairing:
Rijk’s Touch Chenin Blanc is superbly versatile with food pairings. It pairs wonderfully with seafood dishes like seared scallops or grilled white fish, as well as with poultry and pork that have creamy or fruity sauces. Additionally, its vibrant acidity and fruitiness make it a great match for spicy Asian cuisine or a fresh goat cheese salad.

Overall Impression:
The Rijk’s Touch Chenin Blanc 2022 is a beautifully crafted wine that exemplifies the charm of Chenin Blanc with an added touch of sophistication from barrel aging. It is both refreshing and complex, offering a delightful experience that appeals to both novices and connoisseurs alike.