Metzer Wines Montane Chenin Blanc 2018

This wine comes from ancient bush vines planted in 1964, which naturally produce lower yields and more concentrated fruit. The nine months on lees in seasoned French oak adds textural complexity without overwhelming the varietal character. Unlike many commercial chenin blancs that are made for immediate consumption, this wine demonstrates the variety's ability to develop fascinating secondary flavours over time.

Chenin blanc is one of the world's most age-worthy white varieties, and this wine is built for the long haul. While it's drinking beautifully now with its baked apple and ginger notes, quality chenin blanc can evolve gracefully for 10-15 years or more. The wine's natural acidity and textural foundation from lees ageing will help it develop honeyed complexity and deeper mineral characteristics over the next decade.

The wine's medium body and textural palate make it incredibly food-friendly, particularly with dishes that can match its complexity. Try it with roasted chicken with herbs, creamy seafood risotto, or aged hard cheeses. The minerality and citrusy acidity also complement Asian cuisine beautifully, especially Thai curries or Vietnamese dishes where the wine's texture can stand up to bold flavours.

South Africa has the world's largest plantings of chenin blanc, with many vineyards featuring old bush vines like those used for this wine. The country's diverse terroir and winemaking expertise have elevated chenin from a bulk wine grape to a premium variety. Producers like Metzer have shown that South African chenin can rival the best examples from France's Loire Valley, offering exceptional value and distinctive regional character.

Minimal intervention means Metzer allows the grapes and terroir to express themselves naturally, using techniques like native yeast fermentation and avoiding unnecessary additives or manipulation. The wine was bottled almost as-is after lees ageing, preserving its authentic character and textural complexity. This approach results in wines that truly reflect their vineyard origins and vintage conditions, creating more interesting and individual expressions.