Chenanigans Chenin Blanc | Very Special

Tasting Notes:

The 2023 Woody Nook Chenanigans presents a slightly cloudy, pale golden hue in the glass, which is a testament to its minimal intervention and natural winemaking process. On the nose, it opens with an alluring bouquet of ripe stone fruits, such as peach and apricot, complemented by subtle hints of brioche and almond, inviting you to take a closer look. The extended lees ageing imparts a creamy, almost savoury richness to the palate, where flavours of fresh citrus zest, melon, and a touch of honeyed sweetness make their presence known. The texture is plush and round, with a softness that envelops the mouth, while a gentle minerality adds a layered complexity that evolves as the wine lingers. The bright acidity provides balance and freshness, ensuring a clean and harmonious finish. This Chenin Blanc is full-bodied, expressive, and remarkably approachable, offering both richness and finesse in every sip.

Food Pairing Suggestions:

• Roast Chicken with Herbs: The wine’s rich texture and soft acidity pair perfectly with the savoury flavours of roast chicken, especially when seasoned with fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary.
• Soft, Creamy Cheeses: A natural match for creamy cheeses such as brie or camembert, where the wine’s roundness complements the lush texture of the cheese.
• Grilled Scallops: The plush mouthfeel and citrusy notes make this wine a stunning pairing for grilled scallops, where the sweetness of the scallops enhances the wine’s fruit character.

Best Serving Temp:

To fully enjoy the Woody Nook Chenanigans 2023, we recommend serving it at 8-10°C. At this slightly warmer temperature, the wine’s creamy texture and subtle complexity are highlighted, allowing its soft, rounded body and fresh citrus notes to shine. Serving it too cold may mute some of its rich mouthfeel, while too warm could emphasise its acidity.

If storing in the fridge (5°C): To bring the wine to the perfect temperature, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 7 minutes before serving.

By following these guidelines, you’ll enhance the wine’s rich texture and flavour, ensuring a delightful and balanced experience.

Additional Information:

• Grape Variety: Chenin Blanc
• Region: Margaret River, Western Australia
• Alcohol: 13.5% by Vol | 8 Standard Drinks
• Cellaring Potential: 5-7 years
• Closure: Cork

Technical Terms Explained:

• Lees Ageing: The process of allowing wine to mature on its dead yeast cells (lees), which imparts texture, richness, and complexity to the wine.
• Minerality: A characteristic that adds depth and complexity to a wine, often described as earthy, stony, or salty, influenced by the soil and growing conditions.
• Brioche: A soft, buttery bread flavour that can develop in wines aged on lees, adding a hint of richness and complexity.
• Cloudiness: A slight haze in the wine, resulting from minimal filtration, which highlights the natural winemaking process and adds a unique, rustic charm.

Lean About Woody Nook Wines

The land now home to Woody Nook Wines was once occupied by a sawmill and sleeper cutters. In 1978, Jeff and Wynn Gallagher saw the potential in the property for a vineyard and began the challenging task of clearing and preparing the land. They planted their first cuttings in 1982, and the inaugural crush took place in 1987, with the winery building completed the year before. Constructed from timber and mud bricks sourced from the property, the original winery and their new home were built by the Gallaghers themselves. Today, around 60 acres of jarrah and marri forest provide a stunning backdrop to the winery and restaurant.

In late 1999, Jeff and Wynn decided to retire to Busselton and put Woody Nook on the market. By May 2000, Peter and Jane Bailey became the proud new owners. Jeff and Wynn’s son, Neil Gallagher, continued as Winemaker and Viticulturist until his retirement in 2020. Jeff passed away peacefully in Busselton in March 2019 at the age of 89, followed by Wynn in May 2021.

Though Peter and Jane had been living in WA for nearly 20 years, they were residing in the USA at the time of purchase. Thanks to modern technology, they were able to stay deeply involved in the day-to-day operations of the winery, with Jane making regular extended visits. In September 2007, after nearly 15 years abroad, the Baileys returned to Western Australia permanently.

Woody Nook now boasts around 17 hectares of vines. About half of these, in the original vineyard, are non-irrigated and handpicked, featuring varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Semillon, and Cabernet Franc. The newer 8-hectare vineyard, planted with rootlings in 2007, produced its first substantial vintage in 2010, adding Tempranillo and Graciano to the mix. This area is irrigated until the vines mature and is currently machine-picked. From a production of 4-5,000 cases over the past decade, output had nearly doubled by 2012. With a crush capacity of 75-100 tonnes, Woody Nook remains firmly within the bounds of a genuine boutique winery.

Woody Nook Wines was pleased to welcome Digby Leddin as chief winemaker, who commenced on 12 October 2020 following the recent retirement of Neil Gallagher. Neil, the son of the founders Wynn and the late Jeff Gallagher, stayed on following the purchase of Woody Nook Wines by the Baileys in 2000. Digby joins us from Riverbank Estate in Caversham where he achieved great accolades for the four vintages of his tenure. Prior to this, Digby’s career developed over a 20-year period with Lamont’s Winery in the Swan Valley, initially as Viticulturist and Cellarhand followed by promotion to Winemaker in 2003, a position he held until 2016. Digby is now the man at the helm to continue bringing you the outstanding Woody Nook Woodcote Chenin Blanc each year.

To keep up to date with the latest Woody Nook wine reviews then see the listings from Ray Jordan.

Wine Folly information on the Woody Nook range is Here.

Find more Margaret River Wines.

Margaret River Wine Region

Nestled in the southwestern corner of Australia, Margaret River is celebrated for its exceptional wines and stunning landscapes. This picturesque region has secured a prominent place in the global wine industry, attracting enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. This blog post delves into the secrets behind Margaret River’s viticultural success, highlighting key wines, the impact of the climate, award-winning wineries, and how these outstanding wines compare to others across Australia.

What Wine is Margaret River Famous For?

Margaret River is renowned for producing a diverse range of wines that reflect the region’s unique landscape. Among the standout offerings are the robust Cabernet Sauvignons, elegant Chardonnays, and exceptional blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. The combination of the region’s Mediterranean climate, fertile soils, and refreshing ocean breezes creates an ideal environment for cultivating grapes of remarkable quality.

Cabernet Sauvignon: The King of Reds

Cabernet Sauvignon is perhaps the most iconic varietal of Margaret River, often recognised for its depth, complexity, and longevity. The region’s unique blend of well-drained soils and climate allows for the production of Cabernet wines that are rich in dark fruit flavours, often accompanied by notes of eucalyptus and mint. These wines are known for their structured tannins and potential for aging, making them favourites among collectors.

Chardonnay: A Class Apart

Margaret River’s Chardonnays are celebrated for their exceptional balance of fruit intensity and elegant acidity. Winemakers in the region skillfully harness the cool ocean breezes to produce wines that showcase vibrant citrus and stone fruit flavours, often complemented by subtle oak influences. This combination results in Chardonnays that are both complex and approachable, with a refreshing finish that invites further sipping.

Diverse Styles of Chardonnay

One of the defining features of Chardonnay in Margaret River is the range of styles that emerge from the region, each reflecting the winemaker’s philosophy and the specific vineyard conditions.

1. Fruit-Forward and Crisp

Some Margaret River Chardonnays emphasise fresh fruit characteristics, displaying vibrant notes of lemon, lime, peach, and nectarine. These wines often undergo cool fermentation in stainless steel to preserve their bright acidity and fruit purity. Some wineries may use older oak barrels to add some complexity, but the oak itself blends in with the wine and they present a clean, crisp profile that makes them highly refreshing and perfect for casual drinking. These styles are particularly popular for their approachability and are excellent companions to seafood, salads, and light pasta dishes.

2. Malolactic Fermentation (MLF)

Many Margaret River winemakers employ malolactic fermentation to add complexity to their Chardonnays. This secondary fermentation process converts sharper malic acid into softer lactic acid, creating a creamier mouthfeel and a rounder texture. As a result, wines that undergo MLF often display buttery notes and a luscious richness alongside their fruit flavours. These Chardonnays can exhibit aromas of vanilla and toasty oak, making them delightful choices for pairing with richer dishes like roasted chicken or creamy pasta.

3. Oak-Aged Elegance

The use of oak barrels is a hallmark of many Margaret River Chardonnays, adding layers of complexity and depth to the wines. Winemakers often choose French oak to impart subtle spice and toasty notes without overpowering the fruit. The degree of oak influence can vary, with some producers opting for full barrel fermentation and extended lees contact to enhance creaminess and mouthfeel. These wines often feature a harmonious integration of oak and fruit, showcasing flavours of ripe pear, citrus, and hints of almond or hazelnut. A well-structured, oak-aged Chardonnay can age gracefully, developing greater complexity over time.

4. Chablis-Inspired Styles

In addition to the more opulent Chardonnays, some winemakers in Margaret River are inspired by the styles of Chablis, France. These Chardonnays focus on minerality, crispness, and a steely elegance, often showcasing flinty and citrus-driven profiles. Minimal to no oak is used which allows the purity of the fruit and the terroir to shine, resulting in wines that are vibrant and refreshing. These styles are particularly appealing to those who appreciate a more restrained approach to Chardonnay, emphasising the varietal’s natural acidity and terroir.

Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon: A Perfect Blend

The region’s Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon blends are a testament to Margaret River’s versatility. The bright, herbaceous notes of Sauvignon Blanc pair beautifully with the textured, citrus-driven Semillon, resulting in wines that are both refreshing and food-friendly. These blends often exhibit tropical fruit characteristics, with a crisp acidity that makes them perfect companions for seafood and summer dishes.

The Dance of Climate and Grapes

Margaret River’s winemaking excellence is closely tied to its remarkably stable climate, setting it apart from the more extreme weather conditions found on Australia’s east coast. While the east coast grapples with the fluctuations of La Niña and El Niño, leading to unpredictable weather patterns, Margaret River benefits from a temperate and consistent climate. Unlike some wine regions that face unpredictable weather, Margaret River enjoys a high level of climate stability. This consistency is key to producing wines with a distinct regional character year after year. Mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers allow grapes to ripen slowly, developing complex flavours that reflect the terroir.

The Indian and Southern Oceans play a crucial role in moderating Margaret River’s climate. Their influence helps regulate temperature extremes, providing a more stable environment for grape growing. This moderation ensures that grapes avoid the stress of rapid temperature changes, leading to more even ripening and enhanced flavour development. The stable climate of Margaret River results in consistently high-quality vintages, a trait highly valued in winemaking. Winemakers can plan and execute their practices effectively, ensuring that wines consistently reflect the region’s unique characteristics. This reliability has made Margaret River a go-to destination for quality wines in Australia and beyond.

In contrast to the east coast’s more variable climate, Margaret River’s stability provides a significant advantage. While the east coast may experience dramatic shifts in weather, Margaret River offers a more reliable environment for grape growing. This consistency contributes to the production of wines with a distinctive and recognisable character, making Margaret River a standout region in Australia’s wine landscape.

Award-Winning Elegance

Margaret River’s list of award-winning wines is extensive, highlighting the region’s commitment to excellence. Wineries such as Fraser Gallop, Xanadu, Amelia Park, Domaine Naturaliste, Leeuwin Estate, Cullen, Pierro, and Moss Wood consistently receive recognition for their exceptional craftsmanship. These wineries blend innovation with traditional techniques, creating wines that regularly earn accolades on the international stage.

Innovations in Winemaking

The winemaking community in Margaret River is characterised by a spirit of innovation. Many wineries experiment with sustainable practices, organic viticulture, and new winemaking techniques, ensuring the region remains at the forefront of the industry. This commitment to innovation, combined with a deep respect for tradition, results in wines that are both reflective of the region’s heritage and forward-thinking.

Margaret River holds a special place even in a country renowned for its wine. The region’s wines, particularly its Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays, are often considered benchmarks for their varietals. The unique mix of climate, geography, and winemaking expertise gives Margaret River wines a distinctive edge, making them a top choice for both connoisseurs and casual wine lovers. The international acclaim for Margaret River wines has not gone unnoticed. Many of the region’s wineries have participated in global competitions, consistently earning medals and accolades. This recognition further solidifies Margaret River’s reputation as a premier wine-producing region, attracting attention from wine lovers around the world.

Wine Tourism: A Growing Attraction

In addition to its exceptional wines, Margaret River has become a popular destination for wine tourism. Visitors flock to the region to explore its stunning vineyards, enjoy wine tastings, and indulge in gourmet food experiences. The region’s restaurants and cellar doors often feature locally sourced produce, showcasing the best of Western Australian cuisine alongside its world-class wines. Margaret River offers more than just wine. The region is also renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches, and lush forests. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, surfing, and exploring national parks, all while immersing themselves in the stunning natural beauty of the area. This combination of wine and nature creates a unique experience for visitors, making Margaret River a must-visit destination.

Margaret River stands out as a beacon of winemaking excellence in Australia. With its exceptional wines, stable climate, and commitment to quality, the region has earned its place on the world stage. As you explore the diverse offerings of Margaret River, you’ll discover a rich tapestry of flavours, innovative practices, and breathtaking landscapes that define this remarkable wine region. Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, Margaret River invites you to experience its unique charm and extraordinary wines.

Browse our extensive selection of the best Margaret River wines now!

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