De Wetshof Estate - Bon Vallon Chardonnay 2019

De Wetshof - Bon Vallon Chardonnay 2019 (89-90/100 TSW)

"The titan of the industry," is how Platters Guide, South Africa's leading wine guide, described Danie de Wet in 2015. It was Danie de Wet who showed that Chardonnay belongs in Robertson. Glad to be there in October to try more wines from South Africa.

Variety: Chardonnay
Appellation: Robertson - Western Cape
Vineyard: Soils rich in limestone and broken mountain rock
Vinification: Harvested manually in the cool of the morning. Once destemming, pressing and overnight settling are completed, the juice is removed from the sediment and pumped into stainless steel tanks for alcohol fermentation. After fermentation, the wine continues to ferment under controlled temperatures. Weekly stirring ensures maximum flavors are released into the wine until ready for bottling.

NL Import:  Vinites
Price range: €15,-

My tasting notes:

In the glass a medium citrus yellow color with golden reflections.
On the medium nose aromas of citrus, white peach and tropical fruits with hints of ginger, light yeast and flowers.
On the palate dry, medium(+) bodied with medium acidity and nice freshness. Round and soft in the mouth with enough acidity and a recall of the nose as flavours like citrus, peach, honey, flowers and grapefruit and a medium(+) length final. Excellent Price Quality

To pair with: Oysters, cream based pasta dishes, light curries as well as roast pork and veal dishes.

The Bon Vallon is De Wetshof's answer to this new trend and the first South African "unwooded" chardonnay of class. The grapes for the Bon Vallon are harvested when they have great power and flavor intensity. Like the Lesca, clones are used that add to the fresh and citrusy character of the chardonnay. The grapes benefit from cool sea breezes from Cape Agulhas, which provide plenty of aroma and freshness.