The Turtle and The Shark Chardonnay

This Chardonnay blend is sourced from six distinct vineyards, with all grapes meticulously hand-harvested in the cool early morning hours. The harvest took place in six separate batches at the end of February 2024, allowing for greater complexity by capturing both terroir expression and clone variation. Early-picked grapes contribute a perfumed green citrus fruit profile, while later harvests add depth and complexity to the palate. To preserve delicate flavours and aromas, the grapes were pressed at low temperatures. The juice was then left to settle for 24 to 36 hours at 10°C before racking off the lees into carefully selected 500L Burgundian oak puncheons. The juice was allowed to naturally warm, initiating spontaneous secondary fermentation. Spontaneous fermentation continued until dryness was achieved.

These vineyards, located in Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge within the Walker Bay appellation, are situated in close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The region experiences a temperate maritime climate, where parallel mountain ranges direct southerly sea breezes through the appellation during the summer months. These winds contribute to the frequent presence of sea mists and overcast conditions, promoting more consistent temperatures throughout the valley. The area maintains an average temperature of 19°C, with an annual rainfall of approximately 750mm.

The wine was then matured on gross less in barrel for nine months with minimal stirring, enhancing texture and depth. One month prior to bottling, the final blend was carefully assembled.