L'Equinox Wines, To Maike and the Rest, Swartland, South Africa

The name ‘To Maike and the Rest’ was inspired by the loss of a friend named Maike, though generally it is a tribute to those who are no longer with us, or the losses of friendships one goes through in life. 

L’Equinox is a young project created by MC Stander who, after a decade working for wineries across South Africa, decided to start his own project sourcing grapes from organic and biodynamic growers in Swartland, a region which is a lot less pretty than Stellenbosch or Franschoek but IMHO making many of South Africa’s most beautiful wines. He has always been drawn to a fresher style of winemaking, favouring lighter extractions, light skin contact on the whites, and a less-is-more approach and the mediterranean climate helps produce grapes that are perfect for this approach.

This is an old vine Chenin with a brief amount of skin contact. This explodes out of the glass with plenty of fruit, flint, spice, and layers of goodness. A white that is at once edgy yet serious. It has a Loire Chenin vibe, textural, honeyed and glycerol / slippery. Brilliant with some fresh water fish or a young cow or goat cheese. 

Producer - L'Equinox Wines
Country - South Africa
Region - Swartland
Variety / Blend - Chenin Blanc
Wine Style - White Wine
Farming - Biodynamic
Vegan