De Trafford Chenin Blanc 2009

The nose shows dried apricots, honey, nuts and damp hay with a hint of spicy oak. Shows wonderful nutty richness without losing fruit core, developing with great interest in the glass. More Rhone Valley than Loire with thick appealing texture. A long, clean, dry finish.

In the Cellar:

Grapes lightly crushed and allowed 3 hours skin contact before gently pressing in a traditional basket press. Sulphur added and natural settling allowed for 2 days before 100 % barrel fermentation with natural yeasts. A few barrels struggled to complete fermentation and were allowed to finish over the following summer for this reserve bottling. Time in casks (225 l and 700 l) 17 months. Lightly fined with bentonite - a natural clay.
20% new French oak used. Partial malolactic fermentation.
Bottled unfiltered on the property by hand.
Bottling date: 5/8/10. (266 x 12 x 750ml)

Versatile food wine - excellent with rich fish and seafood dishes, as well as most subtle white meats or simply on its own.