2023 Aslina Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch, South Africa

Fermented on the skins for 5 days. The finished wine is refreshing, rich, and textured. Aroma notes of dried lemon, white peach, chamomile, black tea, and orange zest. Generous palate with moderate tannins and notes of citrus, pear, honeysuckle and stone fruit and a little orange peel. Saline finish. 

A pleasant yet rich character - still the Chenin is delicate and silky on the palate, with supple tannins and succulent mouthfeel.

Recognized as South Africa's first black female winemaker, Ntsiki Biyela grew up in KwaZulu-Natal and after being turned down for grants by several universities, snagged a full ride to Stellenbosch U. from SA Airlines provided she study oenology and viticulture. She had never tasted wine before. Cut to a 13 year run as winemaker at Stellekaya, then in 2016, her own venture, Aslina, named for her grandmother. -B.R.