Wood Matured Chenin Blanc Bottle Aged 2012

Tasting Notes

🔹 Appearance: A rich golden hue, a reflection of its time spent in oak and malolactic fermentation.

🔹 Aroma: Aromas of baked apple pie, honey, dried apricot, and subtle cinnamon, with hints of honeysuckle adding to the allure.

🔹 Palate: A creamy texture, with baked orchard fruits like pear and quince taking centre stage, complemented by caramelised pineapple, dried fig, and soft, integrated oak. Balanced acidity keeps the wine fresh, leading to a long finish of almond and honeyed sweetness, underscored by lingering minerality.

Winemaking

🔹 Grapes: 100% handpicked fruit from Peel Estate’s vineyards.

🔹 Fermentation: Whole bunch pressed and fermented in 450-litre French oak barrels, allowing extended lees contact to develop complexity and depth.

🔹 Malolactic Fermentation: This process softens the acidity, creating a round, creamy mouthfeel and contributing to the beautiful golden colour and enhanced honey-suckle characteristics.

A Wine That Tells a Story

Peel Estate Oak Matured Chenin Blanc is an expression of quality, from handpicking the fruit to its careful maturation in French oak. This wine reflects the unique terroir of Peel Estate and the winemaking skills that have made it a long-time favourite among wine drinkers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ What is malolactic fermentation and why is it used in this Chenin Blanc?
🔹 Malolactic fermentation is a secondary fermentation that converts sharp malic acid into softer lactic acid. This process reduces the wine’s acidity and gives it a smoother, rounder texture. It also adds to the wine’s golden colour and the characteristic honey-suckle flavour of Chenin Blanc.

❓ What does “oak maturation” mean in this wine?
🔹 Oak maturation refers to the wine’s aging process in oak barrels, which imparts flavour and texture to the wine. In this case, the large French oak barrels allow the wine to develop depth and complexity while integrating subtle oak flavours.

❓ Why does this Chenin Blanc have a golden hue?
🔹 The golden colour comes from the combination of malolactic fermentation and the oak maturation process. These elements contribute to the rich, honeyed tones that are typical of well-made Chenin Blanc wines.

❓ What type of food pairs best with Peel Estate Oak Matured Chenin Blanc?
🔹 This wine is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes, particularly cheese boards, grilled seafood, or rich poultry dishes. The richness and complexity make it a perfect companion for foods that can stand up to its flavour profile.

Learn about Peel Estate Wines

The first commercial vineyard began operation in 1973 by Peel Estate, which is still there today and producers some wonderful wines! Shiraz is the area’s strong suite.

If there is a Peel Estate Wine we don’t stock, email us and we can order it in for you.
info@partnersinwine.com.au

Peel Estate Wines has played a pivotal role in shaping the Peel Region for over four decades. It all began in 1973 with the planting of their inaugural Shiraz vines, followed swiftly by Chenin Blanc and Zinfandel in 1976, and Cabernet Sauvignon in 1979. By 1980, additional varieties including Chardonnay, Verdelho & Cabernet Franc.

Situated in the Peel region, close to the Indian Ocean, Peel Estate benefits from an ideal terroir for grape cultivation. The region’s coastal limestone soils, coupled with a Mediterranean climate, create optimal conditions for producing wines of exceptional fruit intensity and distinctive regional character.

Every wine at Peel Estate is crafted onsite, within the original colonial-style winery meticulously designed by architects using brick and timber. The winery is nestled in a picturesque landscape dominated by majestic Tuart trees, contributing to the estate’s serene and authentic ambiance. Peel Estate Wines continues to embody a rich tradition of winemaking excellence, deeply rooted in the unique terroir and heritage of the Peel Region.

During the summer months, the Peel Region enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterised by warm to hot days tempered by cooling sea breezes. This coastal influence helps to moderate temperatures, ensuring that the grapes ripen steadily and evenly, developing optimal flavours and sugars without excessive heat stress compared with the Swan Valley.

In contrast, winters in the Peel Region are relatively mild, with cooler temperatures mitigated by the ocean’s thermal mass. This moderating effect prevents extreme cold snaps that could potentially damage vines, allowing them to enter dormancy naturally and recharge for the growing season.

Rainfall patterns in the Peel Region also play a crucial role in vine health and grape quality. Typically, the region receives most of its rainfall during the cooler months, which helps to replenish soil moisture levels after the dry summer. This seasonal distribution of rainfall supports balanced vine growth and grape development, contributing to the overall quality and consistency of wines produced at Peel Estate.

Planning a trip to the area? Visit the official Peel Wine Region page HERE