De Wetshof Estate The Site Chardonnay 2024

ageing : 4-10 years

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 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 vagaries of climate, as well as their development and progress over the years. Each vineyard is thus vinified separately during the winemaking process, the winemakers having a clear understanding of what the fruit of each vineyard's labour is going to deliver during a specific year.

This commitment to site-specific vineyard management and winemaking 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.

“The Site” Vineyard
A specific selection of Chardonnay imported from Burgundy, the home of the Chardonnay grape.
The size of the vineyard is 2.55Ha and lies on a southern slope.

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. The dry climate and the 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, gravelly mountain soils rich in limestone with a significant amount of clay to assist in the water-retention capacity helps the vines to develop fruit with strong citrus flavours and a characteristic nuttiness on the mid-palate and finish.

Vineyard information
Age of the vines: 19 years
Vines per hectare: 4000
Rootstock: 110-14
Planting row: 2,4m x 1m
Soil: pH 7,7 -8,3
Trellising style: 6 Wire fence system cordon with spur pruning.
Yield: 4-5 tons per hectare
Barrel maturation: 12 months