Ken Forrester The FMC Chenin Blanc

Bright straw yellow in colour. This flagship wine is rich, seductive, the bouquet is very sophisticated, layer upon layer of candied lemon, dried apricot and vanilla, with a touch of honey and spice, effortlessly supported by gentle oak, and a lovely freshness. An impeccable example of an iconic South African Chenin Blanc that has reached an elevated expression of character and complexity.

Before moving to the Cape and buying a wine farm, Ken Forrester was very successful in the restaurant business in Johannesburg. The Cape winelands had been calling and in 1993 Ken bought a farm that was in a rundown state, but it had a lot of history and an ideal location. Situated in the gorgeous Helderberg region of Stellenbosch, near False Bay, the farm Zandberg had originally been granted by Simon van der Stel in 1689 to a German settler. The Helderberg region is named for the Helderberg mountain which stands tall and proud between Stellenbosch and Somerset West. The slopes of the Helderberg face False Bay which provides some cooling effect and this area is known for producing wines of high quality. Major renovations were required in the vineyards and the centuries old buildings. The timing was good for Ken, who got in right as South Africa was beginning a renaissance in its wine industry. In the 20 years since 1993, Ken Forrester wines have found their place as one of South Africa’s top producers of Chenin Blanc. Ken is of the firm belief that South Africa can produce world class wines from Chenin Blanc, and he is not alone. The results have been impressive, with his wines earning numerous awards locally and internationally.