The wine Chenin Blanc 221 from the Alvi’s Drift winery
The Chenin Blanc 221 from Alvi’s Drift Winery is a wine that celebrates not only the South African wine tradition but also the country’s sporting history. This label is a tribute to Oupa Alvi, the winery’s founder and legendary rugby player, who was the 221st athlete to represent the Springboks. The wine comes from vineyards located in an ideal Mediterranean microclimate, where soil diversity and water from the Breede River contribute to creating wines of unique character.
The Chenin Blanc 221 is a wine that not only delights the palate but also tells a story of passion, tradition, and innovation. With prestigious recognitions such as gold and double gold medals, it is a true treasure of Alvi’s Drift Winery.
The Winemaking
The Chenin Blanc 221 is crafted through meticulous vinification that begins with the manual harvesting of grapes in the cool morning hours to ensure maximum quality and freshness. Only the free-run juice is used, creating a wine that combines aging in French oak barrels with the use of stainless steel tanks. About 30% of the wine is fermented with indigenous yeasts, while the rest enhances the fruity character through steel fermentation.
Tasting the wine
The Chenin Blanc 221 presents a pale straw yellow color and a fruity bouquet inviting the discovery of ripe peach, lemon, and hints of jasmine. On the palate, the wine offers a rich texture and lively acidity, well-balanced by delicate tannins. The finish is long and pleasant, promising excellent evolution over the next three years.
Food Pairings
This versatile wine pairs beautifully with fish or white meat dishes. It is also ideal with chicken korma curry or a vegetable quiche, making it a perfect choice for an elegant dinner or a casual lunch.
THE AWARDS
The Chenin Blanc 221 from Alvi’s Drift Winery has received prestigious accolades, including a gold medal at the Catavinum World Wine & Spirits Competition in Spain and a Platinum Certificate of Excellence from the South African Wine Index. It was awarded Double Gold at the NWC & SA Top 100 and received a gold medal at the International Wine & Spirits Awards in Spain, with scores ranging from 90-94. Further recognitions include Double Gold at the Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards, the Intercontinental Wine Challenge, and gold at the Lumo Awards. These awards reflect the wine’s exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
THE WINERY
The distinctive character and complexity of Alvi’s Drift wines are the result of an exceptional combination of climate, soil, and topography, complemented by an abundance of water supplied by the Breede River. The wines elegantly express the extraordinary terroir of the vineyards. Each bottle infuses an authentic sense of place and the passion of those who contributed to their creation.
The winery processes over 5.6 million liters of wine each harvest, making large-scale production possible without compromising quality. Chief winemaker Alvi van der Merwe and his team live their passion for the art of winemaking, creating award-winning and internationally acclaimed white, red, rosé, Cap Classique, and sparkling wines.
Each wine from Alvi’s Drift embarks on a unique journey within the winery. Different winemaking techniques are employed to ferment and mature the varietals in the blends of red wines. Each wine is vinified separately, highlighting the distinctive character of each grape variety. This approach allows the winery to offer wines that not only satisfy but also tell a story of passion, dedication, and respect for the land.
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| Food pairing | fish, shellfish, vegetable risotto, vegetable frittata, white meat |
