Avondale Qvevri Chenin Blanc 2018

In early 2018, Paarl cellar Avondale became the first cellar in South Africa to work with qvevri, the earthenware vessel associated with winemaking in Georgia (see Tim James’s related article here) and the resulting wines are now available.

Georgia on my mind.

Avondale Qvevri Chenin Blanc 2018
Wine Cellar price: R250
40% whole-bunch pressed, 30% aged on the skins for three months, 30% aged on the skins for four months, total maturation about a year. Pale amber in colour, the nose shows some floral perfume before peach, apricot, quince and pineapple. The palate is rich and full with tangy acidity and a slight pithiness to the finish. Very tasty all round.

Editor’s rating: 91/100.

Avondale Qvevri Grenache, Syrah & Mourvedre 2018

50% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre, the Grenache left on the skins for one month, the Syrah and Mourvèdre, total maturation about a year. Black cherry, fynbos, earth and spice on the nose while the palate shows pure fruit, fresh acidity and firm, grippy tannins. Has a “rawness” about it but again no shortage of flavour.

Editor’s rating: 90/100.

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