Stellenbosch Chardonnay 2010

The Jonkershoek Valley and more specifically the south facing slopes are of the coolest sites in Stellenbosch. The vineyards are also influenced by southerly breezes during the summer months which has a beneficial effect.

The Vineyards

Trellised vineyards with supplementary irrigation grown on mainly decomposed granite soils.

Grape variety

100% Chardonnay.

Winemaking

Harvest commenced on 4 February and carried through to 19 February. Grapes were harvested between 22.3 and 24.5°B with a total acid of 7.4 g/l and a pH of 3.3.

33.3% fermented with spontaneous yeast in new 500 litre French oak barrels, 33.3% fermented in used 500ℓ barrels and the remaining 33.3% was fermented in stainless steel tanks and left on the lees for 6 months. A small percentage of malolactic fermentation was allowed to complete. Time in oak, 6 months.

Bottled in September 2010.

Alcohol: 13.5%
Residual Sugar: 2.54 g/l
Total Acid: 5.74 g/l
pH: 3.34

Tasting notes

Attractive green tints. Tight lemony/lime aromas with green apple and a touch of vanilla. Tight focused palate with citrus fruit and an elegant long finish.