Essay White Blend 2023

Alcohol: 13.5%

Grape(s): 57% Chenin Blanc, 25% Viognier, 18% Roussanne

Localization: Coastal Region, South Africa

Tasting Notes: This is a medium-bodied white blend made primarily from South Africa’s classic white variety, Chenin Blanc. This wine shows typical Chenin Blanc aromas of pineapple, litchi, and guava. A few months of lees contact enhances the texture of this wine, while still maintaining a fruity palate and fresh finish. The addition of Viognier and Roussanne adds complexity with each component contributing its distinctive characteristics to the blend, bringing out hints of pear, melon, and granadilla. 

Food Pairing: This wine is perfect on its own as an aperitif but will also pair well with a wide range of foods, especially sushi, oysters, Asian curries, sweet-and-sour dishes, and summer salads.

The Domain: “Essay” refers to the popular abbreviation for South Africa (SA) as well as implying an “assemblage” or blending of things to create a whole greater than its parts. Produced by partners José Conde and Tyrrel Myburgh, Essay Wines consists of two blended wines produced in a Mediterranean style representing the best from the Agter-Paarl area. The vineyards are unirrigated and planted on old Malmesbury shale soils producing wines with distinctive flavor and texture.