V1 Chardonnay

Pork, Vegetarian, Poultry, Rich fish (salmon, tuna etc)

Chardonnay grapes were hand harvested from 11 & 16, resting on South facing slopes on the foothills of Sir Lowry’s Mountain Pass, which exhibit a unique maritime influence. Cooling coastal winds from the False Bay coastline and extreme diurnal fluctuations allow for longer ripening periods while still maintaining high natural acidity and very apparent salinity. The vineyard blocks are elevated 250m above sea level, 7km from the ocean. The soil types are Tukulu and Oakleaf.

Following a combination of whole bunch and destemmed pressing, only free run juice was used to produce this wine. The juice was cold settled before being transferred into a combination of French oak barrels (10% new, 70% second and third fill), concrete eggs (12%) and clay amphorae (8%) for fermentation and maturation. An extended lees contact of 9 months with regular battonage was exercised to incorporate mouthfeel. 10% malolactic fermentation was allowed to retain balanced acidity, zestiness and freshness.

Journey’s End is a Stellenbosch wine estate owned by the Gabb family, who have developed the property and its vineyards since 1995. With a focus on Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and other classic varieties, the estate produces site-driven South African wines shaped by its elevated vineyards and Stellenbosch terroir.