Rhino Run Chenin Blanc

Posted on by

APRIL WINE CLUB:

Crisp Wine StyleRhino_Run_Chenin_bottleVan Loverne Family Vineyards
Rhino Run
Chenin Blanc
Western Cape, South Africa

CRISP WINE STYLE

Partial barrel-fermented wine with a fragrance of freshly picked citrus with a melody of stone fruit and tropical flavors. The palate is finely textured with creamy orchard fruit with a well-rounded and harmonious palate weight. The wine ends focused with preserved lemon and a crisp finish.

WINE DETAILS:

  • Varietals: 100% Chenin Blanc
  • Appellation: Western Cape, South Africa
  • Alcohol: 12.5% alcohol / volume
  • RS: 2.30
  • pH: 3.34
  • TA: 5.7
  • Pairing Suggestion: Herbal mussels, grilled chicken with citrus and herbs, Camembert cheese
  • Cellar Aging Potential: 3-4 years
  • Harvest Date: February

VINEYARDS AND SOIL:
Grapes were sourced from a selection of vineyard blocks from trellis to Busch vine, in a variation in meso-climates, exposed hills, and sheltered valleys, with soils from, Hutton, Oakleaf, Granite, sandstone soils and sandy soils. Grapes are picked from a selection of these different wards in the Western Cape.

WINEMAKING TECHNIQUES:
The grapes were harvested at 22° Balling and picking was done in the early morning hours to ensure the grapes arrived cool at the cellar. No skin contact was given, and only the free run juice was used. Reductive winemaking practices were followed to retain as much flavor and complexity in the wine as possible. 60% of the Chenin Blanc was fermented in stainless steel tanks. Fermentation temperature was kept at around 57.2°F for 2 weeks. After fermentation the wine was racked with fine lees and matured in third fill 500L Sylvain French Oak barrels. 40% of the Chenin Blanc underwent barrel fermentation in second fill 400L Sylvain French Oak barrels. The wine was matured in barrels for four months before being blended and bottled.

ABOUT THE WINERY: VAN LOVEREN
A decade ago, black and white rhinos seemed on the road to recovery, but since 2008 nearly 8,000 have been poached, pushing them back into a fight for survival. As a family-owned business rooted in responsible farming and environmental care, Van Loveren provides the ideal platform for Rhino Run to raise awareness and funds for rhino protection. With SANParks as its main beneficiary, Rhino Run donates a portion of every bottle wine sold — contributing over R600 000 to conservation to date. With every sip, you’re part of the story. 1.5% of every bottle sold goes directly to SANParks anti-poaching initiatives, helping to protect and preserve rhinos for future generations. Rhino Run is more than a wine —it’s a purpose, a story of hope, and a commitment to conservation. Learn more here. >

chutney-cheese-raisins-boardSouth African Fruit Chutney

INGREDIENTS:

  • 250 grams (about 1/2 pound) dried apricots
  • 1 ½ cups boiling water
  • 500 grams (about 1 pound) peaches
  • 500 grams (about 1 pound) red onions
  • 125 grams (about 1/2 pound) raisins
  • 500 grams (about 1 pound) sugar
  • 250 milliliters (about 8 ounces) vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 2 teaspoons salt

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Gather the ingredients.
  2. Soak the dried apricots in just enough boiling water to cover; let sit for about 1 hour to allow the apricots to rehydrate and become plump.
  3. Chop the apricots into chunks, reserving the soaking water.
  4. To remove the skins from the peaches, blanch the whole fruit in boiling water and then place them in a bowl of cold water.
  5. Chop the peaches into large chunks, discarding the pits.
  6. Chop or dice the onions.
  7. Place all of the ingredients in a pot and cook over medium heat for 20 minutes.
  8. Allow the chutney to simmer at medium heat for about 1 hour, without covering, stirring occasionally. Do not worry if the mixture still appears to be runny; it will thicken once cooled.
  9. Allow it to cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Spoon the chutney into 3 hot, sterilized pint jars.
  10. Keep the jars sealed for two to four weeks prior to consuming to allow the chutney to mature.
  11. Enjoy.

Information & Photos © Rhino Run – All Rights Reserved.
© Recipe courtesy of The Spruce Eats.

Wine club logoJoin our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

Learn about our Memberships >

Leave a comment