Ken Forrester, co-founder and chair of the Chenin Blanc Association (CBA), encourages local Chenin Blanc producers to participate in the upcoming Standard Bank Chenin Blanc Top 10 Challenge, which has opened for entries for 2024. He emphasises, "It’s an excellent time for producing Chenin. The grape continues to enhance South Africa’s reputation as a producer of outstanding, exciting, and age-worthy wines."
Chenin Blanc now constitutes 25% of all white wine exports from South Africa and has seen domestic sales in the R100-R150 price range double since 2021, showcasing its increasing value recognition both in the international and local market.
This year marks the 11th edition of the competition, celebrating the top 10 Chenins with a cash prize. Winners receive R25,000 each, which must be used for community upliftment or upskilling projects for farm workers, acknowledging their essential contribution to the success of the vineyards. This condition has been a mandatory part of the competition since its inception in 2014.
South Africa boasts the largest Chenin cultivation globally, with 18.4% of its national vineyard spanning over 87,848 hectares, dedicated to this grape. 50.8% of all vines, older than 35 years, are Chenin Blanc and an increasing number of vines aged 16 to 20 years highlights growers' dedication to protecting this valuable heritage.
The #DrinkChenin campaign has significantly raised awareness and contributed to the growth of the Chenin Blanc category. Forrester remarks, "The #DrinkChenin campaign has been instrumental in educating consumers about the versatility and quality of Chenin Blanc. It has fostered a greater appreciation for this grape, both locally and internationally, driving sales and enhancing South Africa's global wine reputation."
Chenin entries are made online at chenin.co.za/chenin-challenge and samples should be delivered to The Country Guest House, 93 Winery Road, Stellenbosch, between June 24 and the closing date of June 28. Winners will be announced at the end of August.
For more information, go to www.chenin.co.za or email cheninblancasso@gmail.com.