Miko Chardonnay

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

The 2022/2023 season will be remembered for the dry and warmer winter, generally good growing conditions during the vegetative growth phase, good rain shortly before véraison which benefited quality, and a cool and wet ripening period which gave grapes a chance to ripen optimally at a slower rate.

11 months, 300L French oak

Harvested in the cool of the morning, the grapes were carefully selected in the vineyard before undergoing gentle whole bunch pressing. 48 hours settling was allowed. The juice was then inoculated with selected cultured yeasts that favour great aroma and flavour development in the wines. Extended contact with lees in barrel and bâtonnage (stirring of barrels) was employed. This wine was fermented in 44% new (300L) oak barriques, of medium, light toast and tight grain, and only the best of cooperage was used for 11 months. 100% chardonnay with 80% malolactic fermentation employed to add texture to the wine.

At Mont Rochelle, we cultivate and nurture various grape varieties including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon amongst a few others that are used for blending purposes to add complexity. The vineyards are situated between 250m and 400m above sea level exposing the grapes to a range of micro climates. Mediterranean-like conditions found in the Western Cape means dry summers and high winter rainfalls of 1000mm. The Franschhoek Valley also experiences the south-easter which helps bring in cooler air allowing for a longer ripening period.