Dicey Chenin Blanc 2020

Chenin blanc must be the most underrated grape variety on the planet. In its home in France’s Loire Valley it helps to craft not only exceptional sparkling and sweet wines, but also dryish whites that can drink well for decades. There should be more of it, and thankfully the Dicey brothers chose to plant some in their Central Otago vineyard.

This wine has everything you’d expect from quality chenin blanc. Green apple and citrus aromas with a savoury hay/lanolin edge. The palate then explodes with juicy fruits that sit over a firm acid backbone nicely balanced with a touch of sweetness. Young, bright and finely detailed it is delicious right now but also has the staying power to enjoy over the next five years with white bait fritters.