Fleur du Cap Chardonnay 2012

The wine has a light straw yellow colour with tints of green and gold. On the nose it shows lovely citrus notes with a touch of tropical fruit aromas and ends with a hint of oak spices. This medium bodied Chardonnay, is highly fruit driven whilst the wood adds to the fullness without dominating it. Beautiful balance between sweetness and acidity is complemented by a lingering aftertaste.

Rich fish dishes especially shellfish. geelbek, cob, galjoen, mussels and oysters work wonders. Try it with cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano, Mild Cheddar and Gruyere), curries with cream sauces and rich chicken dishes. Serve cool, but not cold.

variety : Chardonnay [ 100% Chardonnay ]
winery : Fleur du Cap
winemaker : Pieter Badenhorst
wine of origin : 
analysis : alc : 13.73 % vol  rs : 3.63 g/l  pH : 3.39  ta : 6.07 g/l  
type : White  style : Dry  body : Full   wooded
pack : Bottle  size : 0  closure : Screwcap  

AWARDS
2013 International Wine and Spirit Competition - Silver

ageing : The wine is very drinkable now, but will mature well over the next 2 to 4 years.

in the vineyard : Shaped by the generosity of nature and the rich biodiversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom, the Fleur du Cap Bergkelder range reflects the abundant yet subtle flavours of this truly unique terroir. All the vineyards from which these wines are made are situated within the Cape Floral Kingdom, the smallest, yet richest of only six such plant kingdoms in the world. The Bergkelder Selection is known for exceptional quality and wines that express their true varietal character.

Terroir
Climate, soil, altitude and slope orientation are chosen to capture as much varietal character as possible. The climate is mild with south and east facing slopes offering natural protection against late afternoon sun. Cooling breezes from the Atlantic Ocean ensure rich, slow growing crops. Soils are predominantly medium textured and well drained with good water holding capacity.

The vineyards (Viticulturist: Bennie Liebenberg)
The grapes were selected from vineyards in the Stellenbosch, Somerset West, Franschoek, Darling, Elgin and Robertson areas. The vines were trellised according to the 5-wire hedge system and produced a yield of 4 - 8 tons/ha. Pest and disease control was implemented according to South African subjective IPM standards.

about the harvest: 

The grapes were harvested at from mid February to early March.

in the cellar : In the cellar the juice was clarified and inoculated with pure yeast. For 20% of the wine, fermentation started in tank and was completed in French (80%) and American (20%) oak barrels. The remaining 80% fermented in tanks on French (50%) and American (50%) oak staves. Both these portions were kept in contact with the wood for 4 months with regular lees stirring to enhance mouthfeel and ensure a rich full wine.

find our wines in :

OTHER VINTAGES

Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Chardonnay