🍋 Olifantsberg Lark Chenin Blanc 2022 Dry White Wine is a dry white wine from Breedekloof in South Africa, combining bright citrus and stone fruit with a generous, textured palate. It offers an expressive introduction to Chenin Blanc for anyone who enjoys freshness alongside a rounded mouthfeel. Peach, lemon and floral nuances shape its aromatic character, while moderate acidity keeps the fruit comfortably in balance.
🌿 The grapes come from elevated, trellised vineyards rooted in sandstone with a clay and shale subsoil. Picking at two different dates brings complementary fruit characters into the blend. Whole bunch pressing and natural fermentation, with a substantial proportion of lees, build texture without losing the wine’s clear fruit identity. The result makes a useful choice for a meal where a white wine needs both presence and freshness.
🪵 For the 2022 vintage, maturation lasted ten months: 70% in large foudres and 30% in 500 litre barrels, with only a small new oak component. Time on the lees contributes to the fleshy palate and sustained finish. The Lark name also celebrates the African landscape and pays tribute to the estate owners’ Leeuwerik family name.
🍽️ We suggest serving Olifantsberg Lark Chenin Blanc 2022 Dry White Wine at 10–12°C with grilled fish, roast chicken, seafood pasta or soft cheese. Letting it warm slightly in the glass helps reveal the floral character and richer texture. At 13% alcohol in a 750 ml bottle, it suits a relaxed dinner or a thoughtful gift for a white wine enthusiast. Christian Eedes awarded this vintage 90/100 in his September 2023 Winemag review.
Key Details
-
Producer: Olifantsberg
-
Country: South Africa
-
Appellation: W.O. Breedekloof
-
Grape: Chenin Blanc
-
Style: Dry white
-
Vintage: 2022
-
Volume: 750 ml
-
Alcohol: 13%
-
Maturation: 10 months on lees; 70% foudre, 30% 500 litre barrels
-
Aroma & palate: Lemon, peach and flowers; fleshy texture, moderate acidity
-
Suggested pairings: Fish, poultry, seafood pasta, soft cheese
-
Recommended serving: 10–12°C
-
Closure: Grey wax seal; underlying stopper material unverified
-
Verified rating: 90/100 — Christian Eedes, Winemag, 2023
