The FMC wins international Decanter Trophy as top SA white varietal
Forrester-Meinert duo sets new benchmark with world-class Chenin Blanc
The renowned Forrester Meinert Chenin Blanc known simply as "The FMC", has raised the bar by winning the 2007 Decanter Trophy for the Best White Wine (single variety) over £10 produced in South Africa. The winning wine, the FMC 2004, was made by South African wine ambassadors, Ken Forrester and Martin Meinert.
The prestigious UK based Decanter World Wine Awards enlist international wine experts with in-depth region-specific knowledge and wines are judged according to origin and regional rather than ‘homogenised’ international styles.
"We are absolutely ecstatic that our Chenin Blanc outclassed every other single white varietal in South Africa. This is further confirmation that Chenin blanc has all the potential of becoming this country’s leading white wine – our ultimate South African offering to the world," said Ken.
The FMC encapsulates this winemaking duo’s profound passion for what they believe to be the country’s most exciting white variety and "banner of hope" for the local wine industry. A proud export of the Stellenbosch wine region, this exceptional varietal expression was produced from a single block bush vineyard, which was planted in 1974.
"We decided to produce a signature white wine, using Chenin blanc unblended, a wine that holds it’s own against all-comers. Careful barrel fermentation and ageing to ensure seamless oak integration was the notion and after numerous attempts with some lackluster results, we finally got it right in 2000 and FMC was born," said Ken.
South Africa holds almost two thirds of the world’s Chenin blanc plantings with many varied sites and vines of great antiquity, some of which are 30 to 50 years old. "These factors coupled with an understanding of the global market allows us to tailor-make Chenin blanc and literally dominate the world centre-stage," Ken added.
Ken believes that unlike the Loire in France which may only have three hot years in 10, South Africa has the potential for unbelievable Chenin blanc vintages with its ideal cool pockets of vineyards and abundant sunshine. The Decanter Trophy and the recent 91 point rating by the prestigious Wine Spectator (USA) affirms the FMC 2004 as one such unbelievable vintage. South Africa’s own Wine Magazine gave it the highest score in the 2007 Chenin Blanc Challenge, whilst the country’s definitive John Platter wine guide awarded it 4½ stars. The 2003 and 2004 FMC vintages were both gold medallists respectively at London’s International Wine and Spirits Competition and the International Wine Challenge and the 2005 newcomer has already made its debut on the international stage.
The FMC 2004 was produced from hand-selected Chenin blanc grapes at full maturity, harvested at a minute 30ton/ha yield, and spent 10 months in selected French Oak, which imparts the intense aromatic fruitiness and full-bodied structure to this exquisite, mouth-filling wine.
Described by the 2007 John Platter wine guide as "designed to put Cape Chenin blanc indelibly on the map", the wine allures with an enticing golden glow. Rich vanilla and honey aromas, complemented by notes of citrus peel and roasted nuts, tantalise with a never-ending finish.
The voluptuous FMC 2004, which will age beautifully for many years, is sublime with truffled chicken breasts, mild seafood curries or veal.
The FMC 2004 retails from R230 per bottle and is available at exclusive wine outlets, nationwide.
For more information contact Ken Forrester Wines at Tel: (+27) 21 855 2374, send an email to info@kenforresterwines.com or visit www.kenforresterwines.com.
Read more articles like this...
