Chardonnay

We’ve had the privilege of collaborating with world-renowned chefs over the years, and our Single Vineyard Chardonnay consistently pairs exceptionally well with cream and butterbased dishes, complementing and enhancing the wine’s texture and mouthfeel.

The 2022 vintage was drier than what had been experienced in the last three years, and the warmer temperatures also contributed to further drying of the vines. This dryness resulted in significant concentration in the wines, as the grapes lost a considerable amount of moisture due to the heat. Additionally, the higher temperatures promoted ripeness and contributed to the structure that will be evident in the wines. The Chardonnay Single Vineyard was planted on Waterford Estate in 1988. It is the only white varietal planted on the estate and occupies the coolest site on the farm. The red clay and granite soils are very well suited for this vineyard.

Fermented and aged in 300L, lightly toasted French oak barrels, 24% new, for 10 months

The bunches are hand-harvested and gently whole-bunch pressed in the cellar. This single vineyard requires approximately 8 different pickings to complete the block. The juice is settled overnight. The clear juice is then racked into 300L French oak barrels for fermentation, including malolactic fermentation. After four months, the individual batches are evaluated and blended together before undergoing an additional seven months of ageing.

Waterford Estate is situated in the Blaauwklippen Valley on the rolling slopes of the Helderberg Mountain in the well-known Stellenbosch region. Waterford Estate prides themselves in making Fine Wine from carefully selected grapes. Winemaker, Mark Le Roux and viticulturist, David van Schalkwyk both believe a Fine Wine displays the character of its cultivar and a true sense of place. A Fine Wine should reflect the length on the palate, has a complexity of flavours, internal harmony between aromatics and the palate, and balance between its essential components.