Beaumont Hope Marguerite 2016 - Award winning Chenin Blanc
- May 8, 2017
- 2 min read
Without a doubt one of my favourite wines, and wine farms for that matter.
About the farm:
Beaumont is a family owned and managed farm situated in Bot River in the Overberg. The farm was originally established in the 1700’s by the Dutch East India Company. In 1974, the farm was bought by Jayne and Raoul Beaumont, who set about replanting the vineyards. Nowadays, the farm also grows pears, almonds and olives.
Upon visiting the farm, one will notice the relaxed, laid back atmosphere. The farm is rich in history, evident in the buildings, cellar and tasting room. A lot of the wines are named after members of the Beaumont family, and almost all the wines have a story behind the name.
We’ve had the privilege of meeting the winemaker, Sebastian Beaumont, on our visits to the farm (and yes, there has been more than one visit). He is laid-back and approachable, and always a pleasure to talk with.
We’ve not had many experiences in which we were able to meet the owner/ winemaker, and this makes the visit even more special. It is not highly commercialised, and personal attention is given to anyone visiting the tasting room.
About the wine:
The wine is a tribute to their grandmother, Hope Marguerite Beaumont, described as a woman with character, elegance and a love for wine. Only the oldest vineyards planted in 1974 and 1978 are used for this wine.
The wine, made from Chenin Blanc was barrel fermented in French oak and kept on its gross lees for 10 months.
For me, the wine has a light, straw yellow colour. It is aromatic with some hints of pear, apple and a buttery toastiness. There is also a sweet floral note.
I would classify it as a medium bodied dry wine, with crisp (but not overpowering) acidity. It has full, creamy flavours on the tongue with a long finish.
For me, this is an absolute favourite! It is an easy-drinking, yet complex wine – perfect for any special occasion. To be enjoyed with loved ones or alone; best with, or without food. There is simply no limitation! Personally, I do not have the discipline to open a bottle and store it for the next day; yet there is no shame in selfishly indulging yourself in every sip the bottle has to offer. I have even witnessed a proclaimed red-wine lover reconsider his wine preference!
The wine is not pretentious, yet (in my mind) can easily stand along any Chenin Blanc regarded as the “World’s Best”.
From the simple wine label (consisting of the Beaumont Family crest), to the memories this wine evokes; there is just no reason NOT to enjoy this wine - bottle after bottle. A must for any wine lover’s bucket list!
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