Tasting: Mbali Chenin Blanc/Viognier

Name: Mbali Chenin Blanc/Viognier

Variety of Grape(s): 79% Chenin Blanc, 21% Viognier

Region/Country of Origin: Western Cape, South Africa

Vintage Year: 2021

Price: $5

Winery Tasting Notes:  Bright aromas of passion fruit, guava, melon, sweet lychee and honeyed tangerine. A weighty mid palate that extends into a lingering aftertaste of yellow plum.

Mbali is the Zulu word for flower. The Protea is South Africa's national flower and is resilient to harsh conditions. The Protea inspires us to be resilient in our pursuit to craft fine wines (from back of bottle).

Wine Folly Notes: Since this wine was a blend, I took notes from both varietals—Chenin Blanc and Viognier—from Wine Folly. Chenin Blanc is described as having medium alcohol, light body, high acidity, minimal tannins, and a range of sweetness. It has notes of yellow apple, pear, and honey and pairs well with Thai or Vietnamese cuisine. Further, Chenin Blanc is primarily grown in South Africa, which was cool considering this blend is from Western Cape (e-text, pg. 243-244). Wine Folly describes Viognier as having medium to high alcohol, medium body, low acidity, minimal tannins, and a range of sweetness. It has notes of tangerine, peach, mango, honeysuckle, and rose and is primarily grown in France (e-text, 429-430). These notes and descriptions made sense to me since I could taste the fruity and floral flavors and the wine was acidic.   

My Review: It was nice to try another white blend and one specifically with Chenin Blanc and Viognier since I have not been able to try those varietals as much in my life. I thought this wine was fine, but I am going to try a different blend or white before buying this one again. Being only $5, however, the wine was worth the price. From smelling the wine, I sensed honeydew, pear, green apple, and lemon. After tasting it, I thought the blend was very light, crisp, semi-sweet to dry, acidic, and slightly buttery. I could also taste green apple and lemon flavors. I tried this wine on its own, without food.