RUSTENBERG STELLENBOSCH CHARDONNAY

Description

Stellenbosch is among the oldest of the wine producing regions in South Africa, and the decomposed granite, shale, and sandstone-based soils are some of the oldest on earth. Despite its proximity to the False Bay, it sees quite a warm Mediterranean style climate, with the winds from the bay being the only moderating factor, and the majority of the yearly precipitation occuring outside of the growing season. Closer to the bay and away from the mountains, where the cooling winds are strongest, whites are found in a bit more volume; but most of the region does extremely well with Bordeaux varieties.

Rustenberg’s Chardonnay, however, does not follow that rule of thumb. Their vineyards climb the rich red slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain. On top of having fantastic soils for viticulture, this also allows them to use fresh water sources directly from the mountain for a bit of drip irrigation to alleviate water stress on the vines. They, of course, use it judiciously to not put too much strain on the watershed below.

Being one of the oldest producers in the region, their “formula” is quite simple. Their Chardonnay is barrel fermented on indigenous yeast in largely older French oak. All of the work is front-loaded in the vineyard to keep the winemaking simple. Expect notes of acacia flower, a touch of butter, hazelnut, pear, pineapple, and orange zest. The acidity is very well balanced, and the oak profile in no way masks the fruit.