variety : Chardonnay [ 100% Chardonnay ]
winemaker : Asara Winemaking Team
wine of origin : Stellenbosch
analysis : alc : 13.5 % vol rs : 2.7 g/l pH : 3.51 ta : 6.4 g/l
type : White style : Dry body : Full taste : Fruity wooded
pack : Bottle size : 750ml closure : Screwcap
in the vineyard : Average altitude is 100m above the sea-level, on southwest- and northeastfacing slopes. Sun exposure is continual but indirect, so ripening days are
longer, but ripening is slow. The 3 different vineyards are planted to Vilafonte soils, acidic, nutrient and well drained, contributing to consistency of grape quality. The vineyards are an average of 16 years of age and yield at 5-6 tons per hectare.
Among the greatest luxuries that undulation provides, in relation to the terroir of Polkadraai, is the variation in mesoclimate and soil type. The range of choice can mean limitless possibilities in deciding the style of a wine. Such is the case with Asara’s Chardonnay. The wine is a reflection of the best of both styles that are shown in better examples of the variety. Two facing blocks on opposite sides of a dam create the fullness of palate seen in a fuller, riper style, and the elegance of freshness and minerality that newer style dictates. A light touch of oak, and contact with the lees contributes further complexity with barely perceptible toasty, nutty notes. Asara’s Vineyard range stays true to vineyard of origin by means of minimal cellar handling.
in the cellar : The grapes are cooled overnight, sorted and gently pressed. After two days the juice is transferred, 60% to tanks and 40% to barrels. All three different blocks are fermented separately to create a more complex wine. The oak regime includes 10% new French tight grain barrels, for slower release of tannins and gentler integration, the remainder: 2nd and 3rd fill tight grain barrels. The wine resides on the lees for 6 months before blending and bottling.