Chenin Blanc 'Florence' Aaldering 2023

Chenin Blanc 'Florence' is a South African white wine produced in Stellenbosch by the Aaldering estate that is able to impress with its exotic and mineral character. This label belongs to the 'Florence' line, named after the only granddaughter of Marianne and Fons Aaldering and composed of youthful and lively expressions designed for everyday life. Furthermore, the name Florence is derived from the Latin Florentius, Florentia in the feminine, meaning flourishing and prosperous. The more than 20 hectares of vineyards cultivated by the Dutch husband and wife Marianne and Fons Aaldering are located in the Devon Valley and are conducted according to sustainable viticulture.

Aaldering Chenin Blanc 'Florence' is made from only Chenin Blanc grapes grown in the Devon Valley on red clay-sandy soils. The grapes are harvested entirely by hand and the bunches are then carefully selected and gently pressed. The must thus obtained is pumped into stainless steel vats for alcoholic fermentation at a controlled temperature, the same type of wine vats where the liquid matures for 10 months on the fine lees, a period during which it gains complexity and structure. The wine is finally bottled with a screw cap in order to preserve its integrity over time.

To the eye, Aaldering's 'Florence' Chenin Blanc expresses a brilliant straw yellow colour. The olfactory range denotes hints of exotic fruit, peach blossom and citrus fruits, combined with distinctive hints of flint, custard and herbs. Taste progression balanced between creamy smoothness and a decidedly fresh-savoury component, with a clean finish that insists on mineral and tropical fruit notes. This South African Chenin Blanc can safely be enjoyed young or waited for several years.