Carinus
Rooidraai Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc from Swartland, South Africa
Bottle size:
750 ml
Shipping: R99 nationwide
Carinus
Danie and Hugo Carinus have taken some liberty in calling their wine label Carinus Family Vineyards in that they are only very distantly related. They are however good friends and grape growers who supply some of the leading producers in the country from vineyards situated in Devon Valley Polkadraai and the Swartland. Their label has been around for a few years but in 2016 inveigled rising star Lukas van Loggerenberg to oversee production with good result. From a 1981 Swartland vineyard but involving more acute viticulture and a barrel selection in the cellar.
Description
The 2019 Rooidraai is closer in style to the 2017 vintage in terms of fruit and weight (2018 was a bit more ‘voluptuous’ fruit-wise). According to Danie, “in the ’19 we could finally start affording some new oak … we’re quite pleased with it as the oak doesn’t stand out – it’s a small component. It adds more to the palate weight than anything – I think Lukas judged that to perfection.” The Rooidraai soil (Swartland) imparts a degree of salinity in the wine, with pure notes of white peach, flowers and herbs.
Food Pairing
Best paired with seafood, sushi, white meat, game bird, fresh salads, and tapas style meals of olives and cheeses.
