Chardonnay

Excellent with caviar, snails, carpaccio pâté, crayfish (Cape rock-lobster), prawns, mussels, perlemoen (abalone) and creamy cheese.

Growing conditions were predominantly problem-free with an ideal cold and wet winter leading to the 2023 harvest. Despite wintery weather persisting, budding went well and the cooler early summer resulted in exceptional flavour development. Sudden heatwaves during harvest caused lower acids and higher pH levels compared to the previous vintage. The vineyard grows in sandy soils of a sandstone and granite origin - the oldest and largest block was planted in 1997. Yield is naturally low and was between 5 and 6 tons per hectare in 2020. In order to promote good acid and different fruit profiles, grapes are harvested on different dates. Vineyard blocks are managed to maintain a perfect balance between leaf coverage and yield. Grapes were picked by hand.

Twenty percent of the French oak barrels in which the wine was matured, were new. After the 12 month maturation period, all the components were blended.

Initially, fermentation was in tanks, while further fermentation and maturation were in 300-litre barrels. Malolactic fermentation was also in barrels. 10% of the juice was fermented in stainless steel tanks, without malolactic fermentation.

La Motte is a Franschhoek wine estate with a long-standing reputation for classic South African wines and Cape heritage. Known for Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Syrah and elegant red blends, the estate combines Franschhoek character with a polished, food-friendly style.