From: Swartland, South Africa
Varietal: Chenin Blanc
Kloof Street wines is the second label produced by Chris and Andrea Mullineux, designed as an introduction to their Melody line of Chenin Blancs. Mullineux Family Wines was established in 2007 in the Swartland region of South Africa, owned and managed by Chris and Andrea. Located an hour's drive away from Stellenbosch, the Swartland is rolling hills of wheat and jagged outcrops of old vines. In fact, Chenin Blanc has been produced in South Africa since the 1600s.
Tasting Notes: Aromas of sun-ripened pears and wet granite. On the palate, a vibrant acidity balanced by a soft, round texture and some pithy character with a fresh, mineral finish.
“Kloof Street is the second label from the highly regarded Mullineux Wines, this 2020 offering terrific quality relative to price. Grapes come from three parcels, one on schist and two on granite, all more or less 40 years old. Enchanting aromatics of pear, white peach, potpourri and fynbos (South Africa's version of garrigue), while the palate has pure fruit, bright acidity and a pithy finish. Intense without being weighty.” –Decanter, 93 points
Pairing: This Chenin sourced from various older vine sites around Swartland has a richness and complexity that will pair well with the convergence of nuttiness, creaminess, and spice found in
Zainab Shah's recipe for Mattar Paneer (Peas and Paneer in Spiced Tomato Gravy) for the NYT.
