Bateleur Chardonnay

This Chardonnay pairs excellently with rich seafood dishes such as lobster, scallops, and creamy pasta. Its complexity and acidity also complement poultry dishes, such as roast chicken with herbs, and vegetarian options like mushroom risotto or butternut squash soup.

The grapes are sourced from a single vineyard planted in 1987, grown on gravel soils rich in limestone and clay. These conditions, along with the Robertson Valley's cool breezes and misty mornings, create an ideal environment for cultivating high-quality Chardonnay. The unique terroir imparts minerality and freshness to the wine, while sustainable viticultural practices ensure the health and quality of the vines​.

De Wetshof Bateleur Chardonnay 2023 is expected to age well for 6 to 12 years. Its robust structure and balanced acidity make it suitable for long-term cellaring, during which it will develop more complex tertiary aromas and flavors, including honeyed notes and toasted almonds​.

The Bateleur Chardonnay undergoes careful vinification to enhance its natural flavors. After de-stemming and pressing, the juice is fermented in specially selected French oak barrels, followed by maturation on the lees for about 12 months. Regular stirring of the lees (bâtonnage) during barrel aging adds depth and richness to the wine.

The name De Wetshof has been synonymous with the production of fine wines in South Africa since the 1970’s. As the first registered wine estate in the Robertson Wine Valley De Wetshof has become known internationally as South Africa’s eminent Chardonnay House due to the pioneering role it played in introducing this noble Burgundian grape to the country. The De Wet family’s winemaking heritage can however be traced back to 1694 when the first De Wets arrived at the Cape and immediately made a mark on the South African wine industry. Today De Wetshof is one of the few third generation wine estates in South Africa. Here Danie de Wet proprietor and cellarmaster is assisted by sons Johann (viticulture and marketing) and Peter (winemaker).