Alvi’s Drift 221 Chenin Blanc

The History
In 1928, the All-Black rugby team, known as the “invincibles” was unassailable. They arrived on the shores of South Africa aboard the Waratah after completing an undefeated tour of the British Colonies and France-expecting to continue this
record.

The rugby world was rocked when a young, unknown, 19-year old Albertus Viljoen van der Merwe, “Alvi” to his friends, scored the first try in history against the All-blacks on African soil.

Our Charismatic founder gripped the world’s imagination by scoring this try and went on to be selected as the 221st player to play for the South African national rugby team, “ the Springboks”.

This Springbok team, with Alvi in their ranks, turned the tide on the “ invincibles” and toured the UK and Europe undefeated. Alvi’s farm, in Worcester, South Africa has continued this winning legacy, remaining family-owned since its inception, producing world-class wines that deliver exceptional quality and value.

With the 221 range, we pay tribute to Alvi and Springbok winning team. The Grapes Carefully hand-picked, optimally ripe grapes are selected from mature Chenin blanc vines, harvested in early mornings to protect the quality and freshness of
the fruit that reflects in this wine.

Vinification
Following a challenging harvest with severe frost and ongoing regional drought, our established vines again shone with healthy grapes with great fruit intensity. These hand-selected grapes were de-stemmed and gently pressed before wild yeast fermentation was allowed to take place for a few weeks. 60 % of the juice was fermented in French Oak barrels with wild yeast fermentation and regular stirring of the lees, then matured for a further 12 months in barrel – adding complexity to the wine; The balance of the blend was fermented in stainless steel tanks after completion of the wild yeast fermentation to obtain the delicious freshness that is a hallmark of our wines.

The Wine
Alvi’s Drift 221 Chenin Blanc has a brilliant pale straw color. The nose reflects a delightful nectarine and peach fruit character with hints of quince, apple blossom, and vanilla. This is an elegant wine, well rounded and creamy on the palate with a long, lingering finish of peach and a hint of honeycomb.

Analysis
RS-5.0 Alc-13.62 % TA-7.5 pH-2.81

Cultivar Information
Chenin Blanc 100%