De Wetshof Bon Vallon Chardonnay 2023

ageing : 6 - 12 years

An introduction to De Wetshof Esate
De Wetshof is a third generation wine estate in South Africa’s Robertson Valley, where wine has been made for over 150 years. Here Danie de Wet, proprietor and cellarmaster, is assisted by sons and co-owners Johann (viticulture and marketing) and Peter (winemaker). De Wetshof Estate is a pioneer of noble white wines in South Africa and has also introduced superior red cultivars to the Robertson Wine Valley.

On De Wetshof a firm belief prevails, namely that one cannot know where you are going unless you know where you have come from. This is why the history of De Wetshof’s vineyards plays a profound role in determining present and future wine quality. Since the early 1970’s meticulous records have been kept on each vineyard as to the plants’ reaction to soil-types, irrigation and the vagaries of climate, as well as their development and progress over the years. Each vineyard is thus vinified separately during the wine-making process, the wine-makers having a clear understanding of what the fruit of each vineyard’s labour is going to deliver during a specific year.

This commitment to discovering and determining the various terrains on De Wetshof, as well as an absolute focus on site-specific vineyard management and wine-making, has been an integral part of the De Wetshof ethos from the outset and remains a vital and non-negotiable aspect of all the Estate’s wines.

Climate
The Robertson Valley is characterised by cold winters and sunny summers, with an average annual rainfall of 350 - 400mm. In summer a fresh southerly breeze has a cooling effect on the vineyards, allowing the grapes to ripen evenly and in perfect balance. Nights are chilly and during summer months a mist often shrouds the vineyards until late morning. The dry climate and bracing breeze keep pests to a minimum, resulting in sparse spraying programmes.

Irrigation
Controlled computerised irrigation systems including the monitoring of soil moisture content ensure the vines are given exactly the right amount of water at the right time to produce grapes of optimum ripeness and developed flavours.

Soils
Rocky, mountain gravel soil with an abundance of free limestone and complemented with a slight clay
component assisting in the water hold capacity of the soil. The high pH of the De Wetshof soils ensures ideal
vineyard conditions for the growing of Chardonnay, allowing true varietal expression.

Vineyard information
Age of the vines 10-20 years
Vines per hectare 4000 and some sections 4500
Rootstock Richter 99 and Richter 110
Planting row 2,4m x 1m and 1,83m x 1,2m
Soil pH 7,2 – 8,2
Trellising style 6 Wire fence system cordon with spur pruning.
Yield 6 – 8 tons per hectare