Mullineux Quartz Chenin Blanc 2019

Description

Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines is one of the stand-out producers in South Africa's budding Swartland region. Winemakers Chris and Andrea Mullineux’s ambition is to bottle wines that are a true expression of the Swartland, and all steps of their winemaking process are taken with this in mind. They work closely with a select group of growers who follow sustainable, reasoned farming practices, as well as owning vineyards at their Roundstone Farm in Riebeeksrivier.

In the cellar, apart from minimal amounts of sulphur, nothing is added to or removed from the wine. They do not make use of any yeasts, acids, tannins, enzymes, or fining and filtering agents. “Leeu” (Afrikaans for “lion”) was added to the name recently to recognise the contribution of a new investor to the project.

Apart from their wonderful Syrah, Chenin Blanc-based white blend and a super-rich Straw Wine made from air-dried Chenin Blanc, fermented and matured in old barriques, Mullineux now has a range of spectacular single-terroir Syrah and Chenin Blanc wines, each of which illustrates the amazing potential of the differing Swartland soils. Volumes of the single-vineyard wines are tiny, so availability is extremely limited.

Mullineux’s Quartz based soils are situated on the lower slopes of the Kasteelberg foothills. The soils are deep, with a high clay content resulting in wines with fresh acidities, but powerful concentration and rich texture. A layer of white quartz rock on the surface reflects sunlight and imparts a riper, stone fruit profile and spicier notes. The 2019 has a more opulent profile to the Granite with concentrated aromas of white peach, yellow flowers and ginger. The palate displays real density and a pithy texture.