Iron Chenin Blanc 2024 Mullineux

Tasting Note

The initial aromas feature yellow apples and quince, with waxy nuances reminiscent of lanolin underlying them. Upon a second sniff, notes of chamomile and dry fynbos emerge. Upon entry into the mouth, the characteristic traits of the clay-rich soil become apparent. A voluminous texture and a salty, firm mouthfeel prolong the finish. This is not a wine with pronounced fruitiness. The acidity firmly holds the entire composition together, and a stony bitterness is felt in the finish, indicating that this wine should be paired with food or given a few more years to age. Serve at 10–12 °C.

Grape Varieties

100% Chenin Blanc, from old bush vines growing in arid regions. Chenin Blanc from the Swartland exhibits characteristics distinct from those of the variety from the Loire region. It features subtly expressed ripe fruit notes reminiscent of orchard fruits, a waxy texture, and the crisp acidity of a green apple. The iron-rich clay soil lends firmness and gives the Chenin Blanc a soothing flavor and an almost tangible density that cannot be achieved on granite or shale soils. The grapes provide the acidity, while the soil shapes its structure.

Cellaring Potential

Best enjoyed from now through 2034. Chenin Blanc grown on clay soil with a high iron content is characterized by high acidity and a dense texture; after 5–7 years of bottle aging, it develops a honey-and-wax complexity. Store at a temperature of 12–14 °C in a horizontal position, protected from light. Currently, the wine has a youthful flavor, but after 2027, it will reveal a deeper bouquet.

About Mullineux

Chris and Andrea Mullineux moved to the Swartland in 2007. At that time, most South African winemakers were still concentrated in Stellenbosch. There, they discovered old bush vines, ancient soils, and a region that no one else was vying for. Since then, Platter’s magazine has named them “Winery of the Year” five times—more often than any other producer. In 2016, Andrea was named “Winemaker of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast magazine. We consistently stock their wines because their “Single Terroir” wines are among those that most vividly reflect the characteristics of the Swartland soils out of all the ones we’ve tasted.

Terroir & Climate

The vineyard where the grapes for this wine are harvested is situated on clay soil with a high iron content, which is known locally for imparting density and structure to wines. This clay layer retains moisture even during the dry summers in the Swartland. This is an extremely important factor, as the vines are grown in the bush vine style without irrigation. Thanks to the absence of stress and wilting, the grapes ripen into concentrated, small berries. In the afternoon, a light breeze from the Atlantic Ocean cools the vineyards, preserving their acidity. The result is a Chenin Blanc with a distinct texture and a briny note that can not only be described in words but also tasted. This is precisely what "iron" in the glass means.

Winemaking

Mullineux's approach to winemaking is extremely simple. The grapes are harvested by hand, pressed as whole clusters, and fermentation occurs naturally using wild yeast. No commercial yeast, added acids, enzymes, fining, or filtration are used. Sulfur additions are kept to a minimum. Aging takes place in a combination of French oak barrels, demi-muids, and large wooden vats; since old wood is used in most cases, the oak does not impart aromas of vanilla or toasted bread but serves only to add texture. You sense not the cellar, but the earth itself.

Food Pairing

The texture and saltiness of this wine pair well with rich and spicy dishes. We recommend:
Its full body supports the rich flavor, while its acidity softens the spiciness of the spices. Serve at 10–12 °C, not in a flute, but in a suitable white wine glass.

• Grilled snook with lemon and olive oil, or white fish with a firm texture
• A mild, coconut-based Cape-style chicken curry
• Roasted pork belly with quince
• Aged Gruyère or hard sheep’s-milk cheese