Tesselaarsdal Chardonnay
Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge
Chardonnay 2022
An elegant wine that reflects roundness and a crisp acidity with subtle defining notes of white pear and lemon toast. Reflective of site, this cool climate medium bodied wine is both silky and fresh with an elegant long finish.
The 2022 growing season had a fair amount of rain falling before the grapes started to ripen. This did not have a negative effect as the natural irrigation helped to reduce stress levels on the vines, allowing them to function optimally during the ripening period. The accumulation of cold units in the early winter was fantastic for breaking dormancy. Winter rainfall was lower than in the previous season but still sufficient to replenish soil profiles. The vineyards had even budburst and the initial growth was also even, mainly due to higher than normal maximum and minimum temperatures during September. Grape quality was very favourable, leading to an exceptional vintage.
“The most impressive new Chardonnays we have tasted in this price range and highly recommended for fans of mineral-driven Chardonnay.”
Chardonnay 2021 – Sold Out
Crisp acidity and lean minerality underpin notes of melon and tangerine fruit and accents of lime blossom. A triumphant expression of terroir, this medium-bodied, cool climate wine is both silky and fresh and boasts a long, elegant finish.
| Alcohol | 13.4% |
| Acid | 7.3 |
| pH | 3.32 |
| Residual Sugar | 1.6 |
| Amphorae Ageing | 6 months, 67% |
| Barrel Ageing | 6 months – old oak |
| Wooding | 58% 228 litre French oak barrels |
| Tight Grain | 100% |
| French Coopers | François Frères 100% |
| Malolactic Fermentation | 5th fill 50% |
| Yield | 6 tons/ha |
| Production | 299.16 cases |
| Fruit Origin | Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge 100%, Un-irrigated La Vierge Vineyards |
| Release Date | September 2021 |
Chardonnay 2020 – Sold Out
A compact and radiant Chardonnay with notes of citrus blossom, sweet lemon grass, and lees spice complemented by a fine dusty minerality. The long, gentle palate is at once extremely expressive and deliciously classical and restrained. A remarkably pure wine that will age with grace.
| Alcohol | 12.75% |
| Acid | 7.3 |
| pH | 3.32 |
| Residual Sugar | 1.6 |
| Amphorae Ageing | 6 months, 24%, stainless steel 18% |
| Barrel Ageing | 6 months – old oak |
| Wooding | 58% 228 litre French oak barrels |
| Tight Grain | 100% |
| French Coopers | François Frères 100% |
| Malolactic Fermentation | 5th fill 50% |
| Yield | 6 tons/ha |
| Production | 574 cases |
| Fruit Origin | Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge 100%, Un-irrigated La Vierge Vineyards |
| Release Date | November 2020 |
Chardonnay 2019
A particularly bright, tight and pure Chardonnay with marked elegance. Clean, elevated primary fruit character and citrus blossom introduce a long, gentle palate. Very expressive, but also deliciously classical and restrained. This is a graceful and age-worthy wine with an almost crystalline purity.
| Alcohol | 13.14% |
| Acid | 6.6 |
| pH | 3.41 |
| Residual Sugar | 1.6 |
| Amphorae Ageing | 6 months, 50% |
| Barrel Ageing | 6 months |
| Wooding | 50% 228 litre French oak barrels |
| Tight Grain | 100% |
| French Coopers | François Frères 100% |
| Malolactic Fermentation | 4th fill 50% |
| Yield | 6 tons/ha |
| Production | 297.33 cases |
| Fruit Origin | Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge 100%, Un-irrigated La Vierge Vineyards |
| Release Date | September 2019 |
