Carousal Chenin Blanc 2024

Carousal is a winery dedicated to producing expressive, terroir-driven wines that showcase purity, balance, and freshness. Their Chenin Blanc 2024 is a vibrant and textured example of this classic varietal, offering a combination of crisp acidity, ripe fruit, and mineral complexity. The 2024 vintage benefited from a warm growing season with cool nights, allowing for slow ripening and exceptional flavour concentration while preserving the grape’s natural freshness.

Sourced from hand-selected vineyards in Margaret River, Australia, this Chenin Blanc benefits from a terroir of well-drained limestone and shale soils, which enhance both structure and minerality. The region’s maritime climate, with cooling ocean breezes, ensures long, slow ripening, allowing the wine to develop its vibrant acidity and layered complexity. The grapes are hand-harvested and fermented using wild yeasts, with a portion aged on lees in neutral oak to add depth and texture while maintaining bright, fruit-driven character.

Appearance Pale gold with a brilliant sheen and subtle green reflections. The wine’s clarity and vibrancy highlight its freshness, while delicate, well-defined legs suggest a balance of richness and acidity.

Aroma Expressive and layered, with aromas of ripe pear, green apple, and quince, complemented by delicate floral notes of honeysuckle and chamomile. Hints of wet stone, citrus zest, and subtle brioche from lees ageing add further complexity.

Taste Crisp and well-structured, with flavours of lemon curd, white peach, and green melon, balanced by a lively acidity. The mid-palate reveals creamy notes of almond and a fine chalky minerality, contributing to both texture and depth. The use of lees ageing enhances the mouthfeel, giving the wine an elegant roundness without compromising its freshness.

Finish Long and refreshing, with lingering citrus zest, flinty minerality, and a hint of honeyed complexity. The vibrant acidity ensures a crisp, clean finish that leaves a lasting impression of balance and finesse.

Food Pairing Fresh seafood ceviche with lime and coriander enhances the wine’s bright acidity and citrus-driven profile. Soft goat cheese with honey and walnuts complements its creamy texture while highlighting its natural minerality.