Rietvallei Chardonnay Special Selection 2003

Rietvallei Special Select Chardonnay is a full-bodied, complex wine with excellent fruit and wood integration. Lots of work in vineyard and minimal interference in the cellar allows this wine to express its terroir to the fullest. A complex nose with appealing roasted citrus aromas and vibrant lime and toasty oak flavours. The palate is full and well balanced with rich citrus flavours, subtle oak and a firm acid. Added toastiness emerges to the end and a long-lasting aftertaste makes for a satisfying finish.


variety : Chardonnay [ 100% Chardonnay ]
winemaker : Johnny Burger
wine of origin : Breede River
analysis : alc : 13.5 % vol  rs : 3.8 g/l  pH : 3.2  ta : 7.0 g/l  va : 0.44 g/l  so2 : 145 mg/l  fso2 : 45 mg/l  
type : White  style : Dry  body : Full  taste : Fruity   wooded
pack : Bottle  

in the vineyard : This Chardonnay vineyards are planted in rich limy soil on slopes facing southeast, situated 152 meters above sea level. The vines are trellised and were established in 1996.

The selection process for this special cuve aleady started with the identification of this specific vineyard and working at it with special care from pruning right through to harvesting ensuring a low yield and premium quality.

about the harvest: The grapes were picked by hand at 24.2 - 24.6º Balling into boxes and then taken to the cellar.

in the cellar : After crushing only the free-run juice was selected and after settling the clean juice was taken directly to 300 liter barrels. These consist out of French and American oak varying from first to third fill barrels. Each barrel was then individually inoculated with a specific yeast strain. After alcoholic fermentation the barrels was tasted and only those showing the most potential was left to mature for eight months with regular stirring (once a week) and topping (once every fortnight). Our Chardonnay's are never allowed to go through malolactic fermentation because we believe that it only dampens the fruit flavours. After maturation each barrel is tasted, scored and rated and only the finest are selected for this special release. This truly is a selection of Rietvallei's finest.

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