2022 Aslina Skin Contact Chenin Blanc

South Africa's first female black winemaker Ntsiki Biyela crafts this stunning skin contact Chenin Blanc from Stellenbosch. Twenty percent of grapes ferment on skins for 24 hours, while eighty percent macerate for seven full days. The result? Complex, nutty character featuring layers of orange rind, ripe pear, and tea. Balanced acid and soft edges create a full, satisfying finish. It's groundbreaking winemaking capturing texture beautifully.

Nose: The nose reveals bright citrussy acidity alongside ripe orchard fruit that creates an inviting, complex bouquet immediately. Honeybush tea, hazelnut, and warm bread notes emerge with aeration, building layers of depth. Orange rind and floral notes add brightness and elegance.

Palate: Bright acidity floods the palate with refreshing energy, creating perfect balance alongside ripe pear and citrus flavors. Honeyed character and nutty complexity develop mid-palate, showcasing the wine's skin contact treatment beautifully. Soft edges and full body create a velvety smooth mouthfeel.

Finish: The finish delivers impressive length with lingering orange rind and hazelnut notes that fade gracefully. Honeyed character and subtle floral notes persist, creating a memorable conclusion. Bright acidity echoes on the palate, ensuring freshness.

Pair this textured Chenin Blanc with seared scallops and brown butter sauce to highlight the wine's nutty character and bright acidity. Pan-seared chicken breast with hazelnut crust and apple reduction showcases the wine's ripe pear and nutty notes beautifully. Creamy goat cheese and fig appetizer highlights the wine's honeyed character perfectly.