Neethlingshof Chardonnay 2020
Type: White
Country: South Africa
Region: Stellenbosch
Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Climate: The locality of Neethlingshof enables cool sea breezes from both the Indian and Atlantic oceans to penetrate the vineyards and cool down the grapes during hot summer days
Terroir: Planted in 2007 in a combination of Tukulu and Oakleaf soils at an altitude of 110m above sea level with a north-south row direction. The vines are individual vigour. The vineyard is exposed to the cooling effect of False Bay breezes which Protract ripening and make for a more concentrated intensity of flavour
Winemaking: The grapes were harvested by hand at the end of February at 22° to 23.5° Balling. After crushing and clarification by floatation, the juice was inoculated with selected dry yeast and cool-fermented in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks at 14°C for 16 days. The first bottling took place in March
Color: Pale lemon
Nose: Fresh aromas of lemon, pear, kiwi fruit and winter melon
Palate: Zesty with flavours of apricot, white peach and ruby grapefruit. Fresh and vibrant finish which offers excellent length
About the Winery:
In the heart of the Cape wine region, you will find Neethlingshof Estate, one of the oldest wine estates in South Africa. Wines have been produced here since 1692. Originally founded by a German immigrant named Willem Barend Lubbe, it now produces high-quality wines from the Western Cape. Since 2003, they have also been pursuing an active biodiversity strategy to limit the monoculture of wine.
The estate grows many different grape varieties, including well-known ones such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay or Chenin Blanc, but also the Pinotage, Gewürztraminer or Riesling typical of South Africa.
With their south and southwest exposure, the plants soak up plenty of sun during the day, while being cooled by cold sea air at night. The growth process is thus rather slow, which gives the grapes a ripe aroma.
