Bloemcool Ploegperd Chenin Blanc 2022

The Bloemcool Ploegperd by Fairview is a white blend from the Bloemcool range, referring to Fairview that was first called Bloemkoolfontein. I have never seen people fighting about a wine label at a tasting the way they did when I presented this wine and informed people that the handmade paper label (that peels off very easily) is embedded with cauliflower seeds. Needless to say, none of those labels saw the end of the tasting.

The name, “Ploegperd” (“ploughing horse”) refers to the times when vineyards were worked by horses in the Piekenierskloof. This is the only wine in the Fairview portfolio that is registered as part of the Old Vine Project, thanks to the Chenin Blanc and Palomino.

This wine is deceiving in terms of its complexity. It comes across as simple and light on both the nose and palate, but has a refined complexity and structure that extends beyond the superficial simplicity. It offers some lemon, quince, fresh apricots and green apples with herbaceous hints and an elegant finish. This wine will work exceptionally good with meals such as a couscous salad with herbs, roasted chicken or spaghetti.

Producer: Fairview

Variety: Chenin Blanc, Palomino, Grenache Blanc

Vintage: 2022

Origin: Piekenierskloof, Western Cape, South Africa

Winemaker: Anthony de Jager

Closure: Cork

Alcohol: 13%

Average price: R350

Rating: 90/100