For a refreshing white varietal that goes well with any summer dishes, a chilled glass of Chenin Blanc is the this season’s perfect pairing.
Lorian "Lolli" Heyns, executive chef at Eight restaurant located at Spier Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, says Chenin Blanc is an ideal match for lighter dishes such as a courgette soufflé with gruyere.
“Chenin is a refreshing varietal that can be made in completely different styles and it goes really well with summer foods,” says Heyns.
Eight executive Chef Lorianne Heyns
Picture: Retha Ferguson
The executive chef has been pairing Chenin Blanc with Eight’s farm-style dishes.
“We use fresh produce organically grown in our food garden to showcase the seasons at Spier and this means we often match Chenin with our farm-style dishes at this time of year,” says Heyns.
“The full-bodied Spier’s 21 Gables Chenin Blanc is rich and ripe in style, and therefore pairs beautifully with rich dishes,” she adds.
Spier Cellar master, Frans Smit says: “Chenin has a beautiful flavour profile, it’s mouth-watering and the glands in your mouth literally start watering. Very few other varietals have that effect.”