Reserve Collection Chardonnay
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Food Pairing
roast turkey, Roast guinea fowl, chicken and tarragon
Flavour Profile
vanilla, tropical pineapple, mineral, Citrus
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Viticulturist’s Details
The grapes for this wine are selected from our very best vineyards only. This vintage the grapes are from one single vineyard block situated on a very cool site in the Stellenbosch region planted on well drained soils. The clone is best suited to the selected vineyard and gives unique complexity and character to the wine.
Vineyard Management
Vineyards were spur-pruned at the end of July, with excess shoots removed shortly after budding in September. This was followed up in November, leaving only two to three best-developed shoots per spur. Two weeks before harvest, leaves were removed between bunches inside the canopy, taking care not to expose grapes to direct sun. This resulted in better aeration in the bunch zone and ensured flavour retention in the berries.
Harvest
Cool nights and long warm days in 2009 allowed for optimum ripening and flavour formation. To ensure optimum ripeness, all grapes were hand-picked on taste and came in at an average sugar content of 24.5°C Balling.
Vinification
The grapes were crushed and the juice was cold-settled at 10°C for two days before being transferred to barrels where 50% was inoculated with a pure yeast culture and the rest left to ferment naturally. Natural fermentation took place at 20°C and took five months to complete, with about 20% undergoing malolactic fermentation, thus imparting enriched flavour and complexity to the finished wine. Still on its primary lees, the wine was matured in French oak for 10 months in 30% 1st, 30% 2nd fill and 40% in 3rd fill barrels. During this time the lees was stirred monthly to enhance the mouth-feel of the wine. The final blend consists of a further barrel selection to give us this extraordinary wine.
Wine Maker's Tasting Notes
A bold statement wine that is big on aroma and flavours, combining zesty citrus and clean minerality. Balance, good structure, length and lingering citrus minerality promise great potential on further maturation. Enjoy now or cellar up to five years for richer depth, dimension and complexity. Ideally served with fish and shellfish, poultry and soft cheeses.
Alcohol14.1%Vol pH3.3 Residual Sugar3.6g/l Total Acid6.8g/l RegionCoastal
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