2008 de Trafford Chenin Blanc Straw Wine, Stellenbosch, 375ml
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De Trafford Winery is situated on the beautiful Mont Fleur farm set at the top of a dramatic valley above Stellenbosch, 380m up between the Stellenbosch and Helderberg mountains, right at the end of the Blaauwklip road, between Stellenbosch and Somerset West.
The history of wine growing on this mountain farm started with the purchase of the property in 1976 by the Trafford family as inaccessible grazing land. Many of the high altitude slopes were deemed suitable for high quality red grape varieties. Unfortunately, due to the absurd quota restrictions, planting a commercial vineyard had to wait 18 years. In 1983 a small vineyard was established to produce experimental wines – consumed by family and friends! These were our learning curve years ( 1984 – 1991 ), which included lots of help and advice from local winemakers and working experience in France, particularly in the Bordeaux area.
The Chenin Blanc Straw Wine is a traditional style of dessert wine from South Africa where grapes are harvested and then left to dry and condense on straw mats before pressing the juice and fermenting it. The wine has a beautiful brightness owing to the wonderful acidity that Chenin Blanc can maintain. A little more lime/lemon character together with dried apricot, nuts, honey and buttered toast. The palate is intensely sweet yet not cloying, fresh and lively yet richly oxidative with a long clean and complex finish.
