Miles Mossop Wines, Chapter Three: Chenin Blanc 2019

Until May 2018, Miles Mossop’s day job was as winemaker at Tokara, a position he had held since the winery started-up in 2000. The agreement Miles had with GT Ferreira, the owner of Tokara, allowed him to vinify 10 tonnes of bought in grapes and put them under his own label each year. Now completely independent and now making wines in two different locations in Stellenbosch, Miles is starting to extend both production and the range he produces.

This new initiative takes advantage of small, often one-off parcels of grapes that Miles commits to in any one season. The first releases are from the 2019 vintage and these consist of four different chapters. Each of the first white releases equates to a single 400 litre barrel.

This range of limited-release wines tells our story as it unfolds. Each Chapter is unique. Lovingly handcrafted by Miles in his pursuit of outstanding South African wines.

WINEMAKING NOTE

This 100% Chenin blanc from a single 34-year-old bush vine vineyard in the Stellenbosch growing on slate soils. The grapes were harvested at around 21,5 brix on the 13th February. The grapes are picked into small grape crates and put in a cold store overnight. The grapes are whole bunch pressed the next day and the juice settled overnight before being taken to 400L old and new French oak barrels (25% being new) for fermentation. The fermentation is allowed to start naturally and once completed the wine is topped and matured sur lie for 9 months with regular lees stirring. Only small amounts of SO2 was used in the making of this wine. This wine is bottled without fining or filtration. One 400L barrel was bottled in November 2019.

TASTING NOTES

Colour: This wine has a vibrant pale straw colour.

Nose: This wine has subtle aromas of fresh white peach, lemons zest and perfumed citrus blossom. There are hints of fresh brioche and toasted almonds. 

Palate: The wine enters the palate with all these fresh subtle fruit and floral notes evident on the nose but leads to a surprisingly rich mid-palate and pithy texture towards the finish. The finish is vibrant, fresh and lingering. This wine has perfect balance and poise.

FOOD PAIRING

This wine is a perfect accompaniment to grilled fish and chicken dishes.