Wijndomein Kitsberg - Chardonnay 2018

Wijndomein Kitsberg - Chardonnay 2018 (87 TSW)

Today we gonna taste a wine from Belgium. The wines of Wijndomein Kitsberg belong to the top of the Belgian wines. Since the first bottling in 2011, the wines have regularly won awards. In 2018, that was gold at the Wijnkeuring van de Lage Landen and the election Best Belgian wine of 2018.

Wijndomein Kitsberg is located about 25 kilometers below the Belgian city of Hasselt (Haspengouw). This small domain is owned by Daniel and Evi Medarts. After studying accountancy, Daniel ended up at a Belgian wine merchant and his great passion for wine began. It was during this period that the dream began to one day start his own vineyard. That dream became reality more than 10 years ago.

In search of a suitable plot for the planting of the vines, Daniel left nothing to chance. After a long search, Daniel arrived at the 'Kitsberg' (kits = pebble), a hill in the small village of Heers. Soil research showed that, in addition to gravel, there was a lot of clay in the soil, which was too nutritious. One meter deep, however, was a thick layer of marl, which was perfect.

Studies in Geisenheim showed that this soil would be perfect for chardonnay and pinot varieties. In consultation with experts in Geisenheim and Colmar, pinot blanc, pinot gris and a chardonnay clone from Puligny Montrachet were chosen.

The winery now covers only 1.3 hectares where 5-6,000 bottles are produced, which sell out quickly every year. Daniel and Evi are therefore looking for estate, but just like 10 years ago, they do so only after extensive research to find the right soil for the different grape varieties and vines.

About the wine:

Fermentation and maturation in stainless steel, the wines mature sur lie with weekly battonage.

My tasting notes:

In the glass a medium citrus yellow color with golden reflections.
On the medium+ nose aromas of white peach, pear and lyche with hints of yeast, herbs and light honey.
On the palate dry, medium+ bodied with medium acidity and nice freshness. Flavours of citrus, stonefruit, butter and a light bitterness in the aftertaste.

To pair with fried fish dishes and white meat with a sauce based on butter and lime.