Whenever I speak with someone just returned from South Africa, the first thing they say is ‘I didn’t know Chenin Blanc was such a big thing there!  It’s really good!’  Most didn’t know that, in fact, Chenin is the most widely planted grape in South Africa and has been in ground there for literally hundreds of years.  It has been resilient local favorite that has succeeded because not only because it can thrive in the South African Winelands singular growing conditions, but because it can be a palette for a winemaker’s individual vision for creating unique and delicious flavors.  A glass of cold dry Chenin is the perfect antidote to the torrid South African sun and, little by slow, it’s making headway as a favorite under ours here in California too!  Frank ‘The Minister of Value’ Rothstein introduced us last year to the Brookdale Estate Mason Road Syrah, imported and distributed by PRIMA alum, Peter Andrews and his new venture, Culture Wine Co.  He also couldn’t help but bring in Brookdale’s delicious Chenin as well!  Made by Kiara Scott Farmer, South Africa’s youngest head winemaker at 27 years old, we were thoroughly impressed with its sense of style and verve- and what an amazing deal it is too!  Despite the hot climate in the Paarl District where it is grown, the Mason Road Chenin, made from vines planted as long ago as 1985 and as recently as 2016, is remarkably lively with a lovely, slightly waxy texture rich with apricots, kisses of pineapple and mango and the kind of mineral finish that we love.  Aged 10 months on its lees with a small portion aged in wood, it’s a delightful, fun, easy-to-drink white you’ll find yourself reaching for all the time.  And it’s $20!  Can your House White do that?