Boatmans Drift Chenin Blanc 2022

Bordeaux Supérieur is an appellation which covers the whole of the Bordeaux region, it is a title in its own right, specifically covering both red and white wines. It is classified when it has achieved a higher natural level of alcohol and lower yields than basic Bordeaux. Bordeaux lies in the southwest of France and in general has a moderate maritime climate with varying levels of influence from the cool Atlantic Ocean and the Rivers Garonne, Dordogne and the Gironde Estuary. It is a region that sees a range of challenges bringing variety each vintage.

The Alvi’s Drift estate, based in the Breede River valley in the Worcester wine region of South Africa (100 km east of Cape Town) is named after a bridge that was built across the river, which was commissioned in 1928 by the family as a means for the locals to cross safely. The estates founder Albertus Viljoen ‘Oupa Alvi’ notoriously scored the Springboks first try against the All Blacks on African soil. Today, his grandson Alvi van der Merwe is the winemaker and long side the vineyards, cultivated the land for fruit orchards and livestock herds, both dairy and free-roaming game. The family is committed to sustainability, giving back to the land, but also going beyond farming practices, helping local communities wherever possible, as this is fundamental to their values.