My go-to South African Chenin Blanc is a FAT bastard

I never used to like Chenin Blanc but as I learned more about this popular grape varietal in South Africa, I discovered that there are many different styles of South African Chenin Blanc. Some have no contact with oak and some do, some are made from old vines, and others not – it all depends on the vineyard and what happens in the cellar. It’s awesome to know that South Africa has a great reputation for producing some of the world’s finest Chenin Blanc Wines!

That being said, I have tasted quite a lot of South African Chenin Blanc. Most of my favourites are kept for special occasions and that lead me to find a Chenin that I could sip on for everyday enjoyment.

**Introducing FAT bastard CHENIN BLANC 2018**

This South African Chenin Blanc was blended from a selection of the best wine from the year’s ripe harvest. From the start, the aim was to produce a Chenin Blanc with intense fruit flavours and complex character utilising quality grapes. All the fruit was harvested in the early hours and the juice pressed while the grapes were still cool to help retain aroma and flavour.

As lively as a golden ray of sunshine, it all comes together in that very first sip: Juicy yellow peach and a hint of vanilla dance across the palate and the wine lingers with a tangy note of fresh lime on the finish. A sumptuous sip of sunshine indeed, and delicious with a glazed ham, smoked salmon or a Cape Malay-style prawn curry.

The FAT bastard Chenin Blanc 2018 is widely available nationally and retails between R85 and R95.

**THE FAT bastard STORY**

FAT bastard wines have always been delicious and well-loved, since they were created, almost by accident by Thierry and Guy. When tasting an experimental batch of Chardonnay at the back of the cellar, that had been kept in barrel with yeast sediment longer than usual and had developed a very full-bodied taste, Guy exclaimed in delight amongst a bellyful of laughter, “Well, now that’s a FAT bastard,” perfectly describing the wine’s wonderful colour and round, rich palate. This tradition of creating full-bodied wines to be enjoyed with bellyfuls of laughs continues today.

FAT bastard Range of Wines: The name might be fun, but the wine is serious. This full-bodied range of nine wines, with a fascinating story behind its name, includes a Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Rosé, Shiraz, Pinotage, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and The Golden Reserve (Bordeaux-style red blend).