Tukulu is the name of the deep red soils found on the Papkuilsfontein Vineyards just outside Darling in the Western Cape. However the name Tukulu has also been given to the wines made from these vineyards with the range offering excellent quality as well as good value wines. The brand Tukulu is one of South Africa's foremost empowerment labels and the Papkuilsfontein Vineyards are jointly owned by the large wine company Distell (49 percent) and a consortium of black entrepreneurs (36 percent) and a community trust (14 percent) representing wine farm workers and members of the local Mamre community.

The farm has 375ha under vine and nestles against the Dassenberg mountains. They are situated 25km from the sea and enjoy relatively cool temperatures. On shore cold breezes cool the vineyards while the range of hills around the farm protect the vines from the potentially damaging effects of the south-east wind. In addition, the farm has an above-average rainfall for the West Coast, so minimal irrigation is required.

Current winemaker, Samuel Viljoen, produces the Tukulu range, which include a couple of organic wines as well as their very successful Pinotage. I, however, have always enjoyed their Chenin Blanc. Ever since the first vintage made by Carmen Stevens, the wine has continued to please year on year. I find that some Chenins do well with a touch of oak and the Tukulu has 30 percent of the juice fermented in 500 litre oak barrels with the balance in stainless steel tanks. The wine is then left on the lees for two months which contributes to the silkiness of the wine.

The Tukulu Chenin Blanc 2009 has a bright lime green colour with gorgeous aroma's of green melon and tropical fruit. Once the wine enters your mouth it bursts with lovely rich fruit flavours of apricot, quince and the melon from the aroma sneaks in towards the long finish.

I enjoy the wine on its own and along with meals but in particular a recent and perfect match was with a smoked salmon, feta cheese and cream tagliatelle! Mmmmh!

Expect to Pay R40.50