Gentle sweetness of Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc is a white grape variety that originally originated in the Loire region of northern France.

It is characterized by its strong acidity and is known for being well-balanced not only when made into a dry white wine but also when made into an off-dry (slightly sweet) wine.

Outside of France, it has been successfully cultivated in South Africa, where it has become synonymous with South African white wine.

In New Zealand, Chenin Blanc is grown on only 19 hectares of land (approximately 0.4% of the total), making it a variety that few producers are currently cultivating.

One winery that is exploring the potential of Chenin Blanc is Forest Wines, a family-run business based in Marlborough.

Why is Forrest planting Chenin Blanc?

There is a story behind this.

Winery founder John Forrest was always thinking about how to make a better Sauvignon Blanc wine.

So he sent his daughter Beth to the Loire Valley in France, home of Sauvignon Blanc, to study how it was grown there.

There, Beth came across a high-quality Chenin Blanc wine from the Loire, and was impressed by its rich aroma and ability to age.

When Beth returns from the Loire, she tells her father, John, about it.

Then John said:

"Actually, I planted a small amount of Chenin Blanc in 1988. I haven't actively commercialized it until now, but maybe if I use that Chenin Blanc, I can make something good."

In this way, the father-daughter winemakers expanded the Chenin Blanc vineyards and succeeded in producing Chenin Blanc of a quality that rivals that of the Loire.

Now, let's take a look at Forest's Chenin Blanc, which has such a background.

Let's actually try tasting it.

First, the scent.

The sweet fruit aroma rises strongly, with hints of compote pear and jasmine tea .

When you put it in your mouth, the gorgeousness fills your mouth at once. The fruits you feel most strongly are quince , ripe apple , honey , and the flavor of jasmine , just like the aroma.

The acidity is just right, and the pleasant sweetness lingers on the palate. Although it is off-dry (slightly sweet) , the rich acidity means it doesn't feel cloyingly sweet.

It's best to drink it well chilled.

It has a straightforward taste and is easy to drink. This seems like a wine that would suit the outdoors.

Personally, I would like to put this on my list of "wines to drink when you're camping" that I would like to bring with me as the first thing to drink after setting up the tent.

The paired dish is...

• Chicken, pineapple and cheese fruit salad
• Sauteed pork with apple sauce
• Raw ham and mango

This kind of fruit combination would be a great match.

The winery also suggests that "it is the perfect pairing with fish and chips on a seaside picnic."

This wine has a beautiful acidity and fruitiness, so it's like a fruity dressing for fried foods.

Winery " About Forest Wines

Image source: Forrest Wines, home of The Doctors

Forest Wines has been a strong presence in the New Zealand wine industry for over 30 years and is based in the Wairau Valley in Marlborough, New Zealand's leading wine region.

This land has been home to the Forrest family for generations and is dear to them, and their winemaking is tied to a deep love for the place and a focus on making the most of the local natural environment.

Founders John and Brigid Forrest had successful careers in scientific research and medicine but in the late 1980s, at a time when New Zealand's wine industry was still in its infancy, they made a brave career change and decided to return home to set up a winery.

Their winemaking aims to combine scientific knowledge with the power of nature. As a result, their first vintage, a Merlot Rosé, won a trophy in 1990, and they have continued to produce innovative wines ever since.

Their wines are highly regarded by wine lovers and experts around the world, particularly in the Marlborough region where the wine industry is expanding at a large scale, and the strong commitment that comes with being a family business is reflected in the unique quality of their products.

Unlike large wineries, we produce small quantities of wine but maintain high quality, pursuing both tradition and innovation.

Currently, his daughter Beth Forrest is in charge of running the winery, bringing a breath of fresh air to the winery with the knowledge and skills she acquired at the University of Adelaide in Australia. She aims to create wines that meet the needs of today while preserving the family traditions.

Under Beth's leadership, the winery is producing more diverse and distinctive wines than ever before and is poised to continue its legacy for the next generation.

Their products have won numerous awards in domestic and international competitions, and their high quality is due to the balance between the natural environment and a scientific approach. Their consistent quality control and respect for nature are embodied in every bottle.

Dr. John Forrest (Founder)

Born and raised in Marlborough, New Zealand in 1955, Dr. John Forrest returned to Marlborough as a wine grower in 1988 after earning his PhD in neurophysiology, and founded Forrest Wines with his wife Brigid. He is a pioneer of low-alcohol wines and screw caps, opening up the possibilities of New Zealand wine.

Dr. Brigid Forrest (Founder)

While working and managing the winery, Dr. Brigid Forrest has also worked as a physician for over 30 years, specializing in pregnancy and childbirth care in general practice, as a community geriatrician providing physical and mental health care to the elderly, and in hospice care, helping people live fuller lives until the end of their lives.

Beth Forrest (General Manager/Winemaker)

Beth Forrest has a Master's degree in Enology from the University of Adelaide and brings a wealth of knowledge, youth and passion for winemaking to Forrest Wines. She continues to contribute to the development of Forrest Wines by inheriting an innovative and cutting-edge approach, sometimes incorporating theories like those of a "mad scientist."

About Marlborough

Marlborough is the heart of New Zealand's wine region.

Marlborough has ideal natural conditions for grape growing, such as abundant sunshine and large temperature differences throughout the day, and more than 80% of New Zealand's wine is produced there.

Among them, Sauvignon Blanc, characterized by its crisp acidity and overflowing fruitiness, is produced in overwhelming quantities and is loved worldwide for its unique character. In addition, Pinot Noir, with its rich berry fruit flavor, is also popular among red wines.

Forest Wines Forest Chenin Blanc 2023

item	Content
Winery Name	Forest Wines
Country of Origin	new zealand
Origin	Marlborough
kinds	white
Grape variety	Chenin Blanc
Vintage	2023
Alcohol content	12.5%
capacity	750ml
Certification etc.	Vegan Friendly Sustainable Certified
remarks	Screw Cap