False Bay Crystalline Chardonnay

Named after Cape Town's False Bay – geographically on the other side of the city to Table Bay - it's this large sweeping bay that's in full view from the famous Waterkloof estate where the wine is made. The False Bay range further extends the property's portfolio, with wines that offer character and capture the Cape terroir and place at an affordable, everyday price. Fruit is sourced from across the Cape and the wines are crafted by a passionate team led by winemaker Nadia Barnard, a traditionalist at heart and custodian of the Waterkloof Cellar.

Vineyards
Vineyards in the Robertson as well as the Perdeberg region were selected for this wine. Chardonnay has over the years, become synonymous with the Robertson area. Vineyards from the chalky Robertson soils tend to produce wines with good concentration and minerality, which has always been important to us. Although further from the coast, the whole of Table Bay is visible from the Perdeberg vineyard used. Using grapes from this cooler region gives us juice with higher natural acidity, thus negating the need to add acid later to the final blend.

Vinification
Vineyards in the Robertson as well as the Perdeberg region were selected for this wine. Chardonnay has over the years, become synonymous with the Robertson area. Vineyards from the chalky Robertson soils tend to produce wines with good concentration and minerality, which has always been important to us. Although further from the coast, the whole of Table Bay is visible from the Perdeberg vineyard used. Using grapes from this cooler region gives us juice with higher natural acidity, thus negating the need to add acid later to the final blend. Made by Waterkloof's talented young Cellarmaster, Nadia Barnard. From the Vintage_2017 vintage they upgraded their fruit source for this wine, with the majority of the grapes now coming from Stellenbosch. Our crystalline Chardonnay has none of those muddying, sickly additions that compel so many to declare - "We don't like Chardonnay!". No toasted barrels, no oak chips, no oak-flavoured powder. This crystalline wine reflects a noble grape in its purest form. Balanced grapes are hand-harvested, then a portion of the juice is fermented spontaneously with wild yeast and the rest is innoculated. The wine spends a minimum of six months on lees before bottling. No additions other than sulphur as a preservative. Grown, made and bottled in South Africa.

Tasting Notes
Serious unoaked textural Chardonnay with great focus and poise. Classy Chardonnay with flinty minerality and great purity and restraint. A citrus core with ripe apple and pear produces a wine with great poise. Extended time on the lees adds nutty and toasty notes. Intense yet delicate right through to the finish.