Tag Archives: Chenin Blanc

Pay Attention

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Following three generations of family footsteps that were first planted in 1904, Raimbault tends his vines in the town of Chancay in a lieu dit called Bel Air.

Situated between two rivers, the Brenne and the Loire, these are some of the best vineyards in Vouvray. Considered by many to be a top site or a Grand Cru vineyard, because it grows atop a meager layer of flinty topsoil, Raimbault’s 60 year old Chenin Blanc vines have immediate access to the chalk that sits below.

An off-dry Chenin Blanc from 60-year-old vines with a rounded texture  and fine, citrus-edged acidity. The finish is long and detailed offering wet stone minerality and balancing acidity.

This is one of the nicest whites we’ve had all year.  Definitely going back for more.

VOUVRAY SEC – VINCENT RAIMBAULT BEL AIR 2020

$23.99

12.5% Alcohol

UPC: 03496922012004

Here but there

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BC’s Brothers G of South Africa.  Excellent quality wines at a very reasonable price.

Protea is one of the most distinctive South African Chenin Blanc’s available on the market.

Fresh, but complex.  Smooth. Crispy is a great way to describe it.  Stonefruit aromas with a slight lemon zest edge. We very much enjoy the vibrancy. The acidity might be a little high for some people, but we liked the ‘edge’ it adds.  The finish is long and creamy. 

Serve it cool, but not cold.

CHENIN BLANC – RUPERT WINES PROTEA

$14.99

13% Alcohol

UPC: 00086891081144

Flower Power

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The inspiration behind the name of the brand is South Africa’s national flower, Protea. It got its name from the shape-shifting Greek god Proteus because it comes in a dizzying diversity, as each blossom is somehow more exotic and special than the last one.


Protea Chenin Blanc is produced by Protea Wines, a company that belongs to Johann Rupert, owner of luxury brands like Cartier and Mont Blanc. 


Very appealing.  Tangy and crisp flavours get your attention, and holds it through a lovely fullness towards the end. 

The preceding winter was cold and wet, resulting in good dormancy and healthy dam levels prior to the growing season. The cool weather continued into spring which in turn resulted in delayed but relatively even bud break, flowering and fruit set. The moderate summer temperatures slowed the ripening period and resulted in harvest starting about two weeks later than normal. The usually hot month of February was uncharacteristically cool, allowing for the gradual ripening of fruit with good flavours and acidity. An exceptional vintage which promises to deliver outstanding wines.


Protea has a remarkably aromatic nose for a Chenin Blanc.  It’s very palatable and quite distinctive.

CHENIN BLANC – RUPERT WINES PROTEA

$13.99 regularly $14.99

13.5% Alcohol

UPC: 00086891081144

Climbing the Charts

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The ‘will buy again’ chart.


What we really appreciated was the ‘lack’ of citrusy’ overtones.  There are definite hints of apricot and pear.

It’s very refreshing.


it took us a little by surprise, because, to us, Chenin Blancs don’t usually stand out when by themselves.  They always add to the roundnesswhen added to other whites for a blend.

CHENIN BLANC – RUPERT WINES PROTEA

$14.99

13% alcohol

UPC: 00086891081144