Badenhorst Kalmoesfontein White Blend 2022

Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Badenhorst was founded in 2008 by cousins Hein and Adi Badenhorst in the northernmost part of the Swartland wine appellation, restoring an old winery. Today, the estate, which extends over 28 hectares of vineyards, produces excellent biodynamic wines. The Kalmoesfontein White Blend is made from Chenin Blanc, Clairette Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Palomino, Viognier, and Roussanne grapes, with additions of Muscat d'Alexandrie and Verdelho, all sourced from the estate's ancient bush vines. Here, the work in the vineyard is manual and, after harvesting, the grapes are processed as a whole bunch and then fermented with indigenous yeasts. After vinification, the finished wine rests in a mix of used wooden barrels and concrete vats. In the glass, the wine reveals an intense color with lemon-yellow tones and a broad and elegant aromatic profile. On the nose, it opens with notes of mirabelle plum, ripe apple, peach, and pineapple followed by hints of vanilla and delicate sweet spices. On the palate, it is fresh and mineral, vibrant and energetic with a creamy texture and some savory hints. It is fruity and juicy with a long finish that recalls notes of lemon curd. It is a balanced and refined wine that pairs well with pasta cacio e pepe, risotto with scallops, and mussels au gratin.