Terraced Block Reserve Chardonnay

Enjoy with creamy chicken dishes.

The season began with mild and dry conditions which had a crucial impact on grape quantity and quality. Drier conditions limited berry mass and subsequently yields, but also ensured outstanding quality. The cool ripening period aided early cultivars, and high-quality wines were prepared during this time. Late cultivars, which had to wait until after the rains to go to the cellar, presented producers with various challenges. Despite these challenges, vineyards that were well-managed handled the unfavourable conditions well and produced high-quality grapes. From a single terraced estate vineyard, with a combination of North and East facing vines. Vineyard produced small concentrated berries with a yield of five tons per hectare. Grapes were handpicked at optimal ripeness.

Maturation took place in 225 litre 40% new French barrels for 10 months. No batonage or malolactic fermentation took place, in order to retain freshness.

Extensive bunch sorting of the grapes formed part of the quality management process. The grapes were whole bunch pressed and barrel fermented for 14 days.

Delaire Graff is a Stellenbosch wine estate on the Helshoogte Pass, where mountain slopes and cooling maritime influence shape the vineyards. Known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, red blends, rosé and MCC, the estate produces polished South African wines with fruit intensity, freshness and structure.