Rustenberg Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc 2021

Although it was Rustenberg’s superb reds that first attracted us to this venerable estate, Rustenberg’s highly acclaimed 2021 Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc (90 Points – Wine Spectator) has also captured our palates. Graced with a bright sunlit color, a lively bouquet of juicy pear, blood orange, and verbena, as well as crisp, fresh fruit flavors, the 2021 Rustenberg Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc pays homage to South African’s acumen with Chenin Blanc. In the mouth, crisp apricot and Asian pear flavors are lightly burnished with a gentle minerality, which allows the wine to slip surreptitiously down the thirsty throat. Lithe, lovely, and superbly balanced, the charm-filled 2021 Rustenberg Chenin Blanc drinks beautifully now and should offer superb drinking pleasure for at least another 4-5 years, becoming weightier and broader with additional time in bottle in true Chenin Blanc fashion. For optimal enjoyment we suggest moderate chilling (40°-45° F) and a few minutes in the glass to reveal its many charms. Anticipated maturity: 2022-2026. Enjoy!

Rustenberg’s food-friendly 2021 Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc provides the perfect complement to fish, fowl, cheese, and all kinds of spicy dishes. South Africa’s rich culinary history reflects an exciting mélange of African, Asian and European influences as well as a wealth of exotic spices to which Rustenberg’s Chenin Blanc responds beautifully. Without food, this ebullient and racy Chenin Blanc slips down easily, making it ideal as an aperitif, too. However, our preference is to pair it with interesting foods. A Grilled Peach Bruschetta with a balsamic reduction, chèvre, arugula, and crispy prosciutto, or a spicy Roasted Red Pepper Dip with carrot chips makes a superb starter and companion to the 2021 Rustenberg Chenin Blanc. Thai Green Curry Chicken with vegetables, Grilled Halibut topped with mango salsa, and Scallops Wrapped in Bacon also provide tasty accompaniments. Other winning accompaniments to the 2021 Rustenberg Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc include Zucchini Pie with goat cheese, Tandoori Chicken, and Crispy Vietnamese Spring Rolls. Many kinds of stir fries also provide fine accompaniments to Rustenberg’s flavorful 2021 Chenin Blanc. Bon Appétit!

Stellenbosch and the surrounding wine lands of South Africa’s Western Cape hardly receive the attention and excitement they deserve. No viticultural area or major wine producing region in the world presents itself more spectacularly. The sheer physical beauty of Africa’s Western Cape, paired with commanding waves of well-tended hillside vines and the proliferation of centuries-old Cape Dutch architecture, makes Stellenbosch both stunningly beautiful and unique among the great wine regions of the world. And Rustenberg is one of the oldest and most influential wine estates in this majestic wine land.

Rustenberg was founded in 1682. It lies nestled in the valley of the Simonsberg, at the very heart of the Stellenbosch wine region. Rustenberg produces a full range of wines, including Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Roussanne, Syrah, and several exciting blends. This family-owned property enjoys a rich heritage and an ethos that have been informed by many centuries of human influence striving to understand and work with nature to produce wines of distinct character that are true to their terroir, variety and style. Although we have enjoyed all of Rustenberg’s wines over the last several years, the estate truly excels with Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and red Bordeaux varietals. Although most renowned for John X. Merriman, the estate’s flagship Bordeaux blend named in honor of the estate’s former owner, Rustenberg’s highly acclaimed Chenin Blanc (this month’s feature) offers compelling quality and value, and establishes Rustenberg as an outstanding source of Chenin Blanc, South Africa’s most important and widely planted white grape variety.

Located on the Western Cape less than an hour north of Cape Town, the picture post card town of Stellenbosch and the surrounding mountains form a dramatic backdrop for what has been heralded as the most beautiful wine country in the world. Although one may debate that claim and the various picturesque merits of other world renowned wine regions, what is not in question is the integral role Stellenbosch has played for more than three centuries in the formation of South African wine. Stellenbosch is unquestionably South Africa’s oldest and most important wine producing region. It is South Africa’s Napa, Sonoma, and Santa Barbara counties all in one. It contains a myriad of microclimates and is responsible for high quality red and white wines from a host of varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Viognier, and South Africa’s most unique varietal, Pinotage, a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault. From wineries in Stellenbosch, both old and new, flow an enormous variety of wines that are both world class and wholly unique in character.