Rijk’s, Chenin Blanc Touch 2023

Rijk's Wine Estate, located in the Tulbagh Valley of South Africa, is celebrated for its commitment to producing exceptional Chenin Blancs that showcase the versatility and richness of this grape variety. The Touch Chenin Blanc 2023 reflects Rijk's philosophy of crafting elegant wines with a sense of place.

The estate’s vineyards, planted on low-yielding, well-drained vertical shale and schist soils, benefit from a Mediterranean climate with cooling breezes, ensuring optimal ripening and flavour development. The 2023 vintage experienced ideal growing conditions, with warm days and cool nights preserving the natural acidity and vibrant fruit character of the grapes. Grapes were hand-harvested at night to retain their delicate aromas and flavours. In the cellar, the grapes were gently crushed and pressed. Fermentation was conducted with 75% of the wine cold-fermented in stainless steel tanks to maintain freshness and fruit purity, while the remaining 25% was fermented in oak barrels to add complexity and a subtle wooded dimension. The wine was kept on the lees for 11 months to develop a creamy mouthfeel.

Appearance: The wine presents a pale gold colour with brilliant, luminous clarity, hinting at its freshness and precision. A delicate silver-green tint at the rim reflects its youthful vibrancy, while its polished texture suggests elegance and purity. Swirling the glass reveals slow-forming yet defined legs, indicating a balanced concentration with both freshness and depth. The subtle sheen highlights its bright acidity and suggests a wine that will evolve gracefully over time.

Aroma: An expressive and inviting bouquet of lemon pepper, lime, and grapefruit greets the nose, complemented by hints of ginger. As the wine opens, nuances of white pear and gooseberries emerge, adding layers of complexity to the aromatic profile. A faint whisper of honeyed almonds and crushed wet stones lingers, giving the wine an elegant mineral edge.

Taste: On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and well-balanced, offering vibrant flavours of white pear and gooseberries. The racy acidity provides a refreshing lift, while the subtle use of oak imparts a creamy mouthfeel and uplifts the fruity characters of this versatile cultivar. A touch of quince and chamomile adds depth, enhancing the wine’s layered complexity.

Finish: The finish is long and saline, with the lively fruit flavours gradually giving way to delicate notes of ginger and a hint of minerality. The well-integrated acidity ensures a clean and refreshing conclusion, leaving a lingering impression of citrus zest and crushed oyster shell that invites another sip. A final whisper of vanilla pod and light spice adds warmth, rounding out the wine’s elegance.

Food Pairing: The Touch Chenin Blanc 2023 pairs excellently with a variety of dishes. Consider pairing it with pan-seared scallops drizzled with lemon butter, where the wine’s acidity and fruit complement the richness of the dish. It also matches well with creamy chicken curry, as its bright flavours and subtle oak nuances balance the spice and richness of the curry. For a vegetarian option, try it alongside a butternut squash risotto or a grilled vegetable medley. Aged cheeses such as Comté or Gruyère also work beautifully, enhancing the wine’s textural complexity.

The Rijk’s Touch Chenin Blanc 2023 is a refined and beautifully structured expression of Chenin Blanc, highlighting the estate’s dedication to quality winemaking and offering a memorable tasting experience.