2015 Chenin Blanc OVNI, Domaine Mourat

Wine Variety: A chameleon of a grape from the Loire Valley in northern France, Chenin Blanc can produce wine in styles from light, dry and fairly neutral, to super-concentrated, fully sweet monsters. Its naturally high acidity means that it is also suitable for the manufacture of sparkling wine. DNA analysis of Chenin Blanc shows it is related to Sauvignon Blanc (sharing both parents with that variety) and Colombard (of which it is a parent). It is the most planted grape in South Africa where it is called Steen. It may be that it was transported there with the first vines imported by Jan van Riebeeck in the 17th century. It is also widely planted in the Americas and other New World countries.

Wine Region: The Loire Valley offers a great diversity of wine styles along its not inconsiderable length, both in red and white wines. White wine vineyards change from Sauvignon Blanc to Melon de Bourgogne via Chenin Blanc as one journeys from source to sea, whilst red wine producers grow Pinot Noir, Malbec (locally called Cot), Gamay and, most famously, Cabernet Franc. White wine styles range from crisp and dry, through sparkling to medium and fully sweet, botrytised versions. Reds are crisp and snappy.

Wine Producer: This estate, organic since 2006, works 127 hectares of vines: 67 of their own, a further 60 under contract. Mourat built a brand new production facility eight years ago just outside Marueil-sur-Lay. One couold call Mourat a modern producer (as evidenced by the concrete fermentation eggs in the winery), but there is absolute respect for the fruit and vineyards from which that fruit comes.