Blind tasting review
Backsberg Chenin Blanc
Style Sweet or aromatic Country South Africa Price $12
Vintage tasted 2008 Grapes Chenin Blanc
Website www.backsberg.com
Overview Chenin Blanc is probably South Africa’s signature white wine (it is also known there as “Steen”), and it is made in styles that range from decidedly sweet to bone-dry. This one is slightly off-dry, but with enough acid, clean citrus flavors, and bright minerality to avoid seeming sickly or cloying. Now that the World Cup is over, South Africa can at least take comfort in knowing they still have plenty of this stuff to go around.
Nose There’s a mineral and slate quality that reminded one blind taster of Chablis. The aromas are wonderfully clean.
Mouth Refreshing flavors of citrus and stone dominate, aided by a strong dose of acidity that cleanses any lingering sugar.
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