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White dry
The pinnacle of South African Chenin Blanc, The FMC 2023 is Ken Forrester’s flagship expression – a wine that sets the global standard for the varietal. Made from certified Old Vine Project vineyards and farmed sustainably without herbicides or pesticides, this is Chenin at its most profound and pure.
A rich, textured, and deeply layered wine, it offers notes of dried apricot, vanilla pod, and golden honey. Its natural elegance is underpinned by vibrant acidity and a long, polished finish. The wine is powerful now but promises to develop additional complexity with cellaring, revealing its full potential over time.
Grown on south-southwest-facing slopes with sandy duplex soils over clay and ferricrete, The FMC 2023 is a true expression of terroir and time – an iconic Chenin Blanc that both challenges and inspires.
Fermented spontaneously with native yeasts in 400L French oak barrels and aged for 10–12 months, it is carefully assembled from the finest barrels.
Serve at 10-12 °C with mild seafood and shellfish. Perfect with dishes seasoned with exotic oriental spices.
The charismatic Ken Forrester, the figure behind some of South Africa's most acclaimed wines, states, "Our idea was simple – to create the best wine. For the first four or five years, we had nothing to show." However, a pivotal bottle taken to London for wine expert Matthew Duke changed everything. His reaction was incredible – it was an unprecedented expression of ‘Chenin Blanc’ from South Africa. Matthew Duke didn't hide his enthusiasm, simply calling the wine "This is frickin marvelous chenin."
The winery's philosophy is remarkably clear and focused – to produce the finest wines possible. This is undoubtedly a constant goal, challenged annually by nature's unpredictable vintage variations. Nevertheless, careful and attentive vineyard monitoring and management allow for the most optimal decisions each year. Although Ken Forrester wines are not officially certified organic or biodynamic, significant efforts are made on the estate to adhere to environmentally friendly, sustainable, and nature-preserving standards.
Wine Style
Ken Forrester wines are celebrated for their expressiveness, richness, and excellent balance. They perfectly reflect the terroir of the Stellenbosch region and the winemaker's individual touch.
Prestigious Vineyards
Ken Forrester Wines owns and meticulously manages vineyards in the prestigious Stellenbosch region of South Africa:
These unique vineyard characteristics and meticulous work in the cellar are the foundation for the exceptional quality of Ken Forrester wines.
Aging and Drinking Period
The style of Ken Forrester wines allows them to be enjoyed both in their youth and after bottle aging. Their balanced acidity and structure give the wines the potential to develop over time, gaining even more nuance and complexity. This is particularly true for their top-tier ‘Chenin Blanc’ and red wines, which can offer pleasure for decades.
