Chenin Blanc Ava, Rall 2023

The Ava Chenin Blanc comes from two sources in the Swartland, Meerhof and Jakkalsfontein, both of which are on schist soils, and is a tricky wine to make, according to Donovan Rall. Stony, yet broader than the Noa Chenin Blanc, it has notes of straw, yellowapple and pear, a twist of orange zest and very subtle oak spices. 2024-29.

This wine explores the spirit of schist soils with vines planted in 1986. The Rall 2023 Swartland Chenin Blanc Ava reveals aromas of aniseed, licorice and fennel root at the back of orchard fruit and unripe peach. With the Noa, vintner Donovan Rall limits oxygen, but with this wine, he seeks more of it. He works with three vineyards with schist soil, and this is the only one he can bottle on its own because it achieves the balance he seeks. The wine ferments in 400-liter barrel for six months until almost dry. There is a touch of residual sugar at 2.5 grams per liter. The wine is creamy and fleshed out in terms of texture, but its aging potential remains intact. The personality of this wine is certainly more soothing and richer overall. Donovan Rall seeks to express two sides of Chenin Blanc, one on granite (the Noa) and one on schist (the Ava). Drink 2025 - 2035.

Grapes from vineyards on schist. Matured in older barrel. Peach, orange, straw and ginger plus some leesy complexity. The palate is super-rich: dense fruit, coated acidity, the finish savoury and slightly grippy. Layers of flavour.

Green apples, lemon peel, papayas and wildflower honey. Blanched almonds and hints of flint. Deliciously textural and stony with a medium body and a creamy, long and inviting finish. Try from 2025.