Wines Hemel-en-Aarde Lourens Family Wines - Lindi Carien - 2017

Viniou Reviews

The 2017 Lourens Family Wines Cuvée Lindi Carien hails from the renowned Hemel-en-Aarde appellation, located on South Africa’s south coast. This white wine is the signature cuvée of the Lourens family and, although not labelled with its exact blend, it typically brings together a medley of white varietals such as Chenin Blanc, Verdelho, Albarino, and Sauvignon Blanc, creating a complex yet focused style. The 2017 vintage saw moderate conditions, allowing for slow, even ripening and vibrant natural acidity. Vinification at Lourens Family Wines is characterised by careful sorting and gentle pressing, followed by fermentation in neutral oak barrels or tanks, which emphasises both precision and texture while avoiding overt oak character.

Hemel-en-Aarde, translating to “Heaven and Earth,” is a cool-climate area benefiting from its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Chilly sea breezes and frequent fog contribute to a longer growing season, yielding grapes with intense aromatic profiles and racy acidity. The soils are predominantly clay-rich with decomposed granite, ensuring good water retention and providing the mineral backbone evident in many local wines. Historically, Hemel-en-Aarde has forged a sterling reputation for refined Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but innovative producers like Lourens are showcasing the terroir’s versatility with unique, elegant white blends that are gaining appreciation amongst aficionados.

This wine’s vivacious acidity, stone fruit and citrus notes, and subtle savoury complexity will pair beautifully with delicate seafood dishes such as seared scallops, grilled linefish, or prawn risotto. It also complements creamy goat’s cheese, mild curries, or regional South African dishes like snoek pâté or Cape Malay chicken bobotie, where its freshness adeptly balances aromatic spices.

For the finest experience, serve the 2017 Cuvée Lindi Carien well-chilled, ideally between 9-11°C. A gentle decanting reveals further aromatic layers, and in a large-bowled glass it presents its fresh floral notes and textured palate with clarity. Ideal for immediate enjoyment, it also has the structure to evolve gracefully over a few more years.