Just a little about Chardonnay

Chardonnay is a green-skinned grape variety used to make white wine. It is the most diverse and most planted white wine grape in the world. It originated in the Burgundy wine region of eastern France, but is now grown wherever wine is produced.  During the 1970s and 1980s, due to quarantine restrictions, plant cuttings were often smuggled into South Africa.

We harvested our Chardonnay in February this year. Our small holding can be found in the Bottelary Hills, Cape Winelands, South Africa.  We form part of the greater Stellenbosch region which produces some of the best wines in the world.

Although South African vineyards have been dominated by white grape varieties, the trend now is towards a balance between white and red.

A vine yields its first crop after three years and is fully productive after five. On average, the South African vineyard is replaced after 25 years although vines as old as 100 years can still be found.

A very ripe Chardonnay will have flavors more towards tropical fruits like pineapple, guava and mango. A barely ripe Chardonnay will have green apple and lemon flavors. Chardonnay pairs particularly well with fish dishes as well as soft cheeses.

Chardonnay can be rich or light-and-zesty depending on wherever it is oaked or unoaked. 

Winemakers in the Western Cape have experimented blending Chardonnay with Riesling and Sauvignon blanc. Chardonnay is also used in some of the base wines from which Cap Classique sparkling wines are made.

Next time you enjoy the fantastic pleasure that comes from your glass of wine, remember to celebrate all the lovely people who dedicate themselves to work the vineyards.

The Fairvalley slogan - "THE HANDS THAT WORK THE SOIL FEED THE SOUL" says it all.