Wine Composition
100% Chardonnay
Winemakers Comments
The Apogée series from La Vierge epitomises the very best expression of terroir from our beautiful vineyards. It is a vineyard site driven wine that emphasises the subtle differences in altitude, aspect, clonal expression and soil that make our vineyards unique. Minimal winemaking intervention is utilised to allow the vines to speak for themselves.
Awards
Tim Atkin | 94 points
John Platter | 93 points
Technical Analysis
Alcohol Percentage
13.65%
TA
7.4 g/l
pH
3.22
RS
2.7 g/l
Climate / Vineyard Techniques
These Walker Bay vineyards of Hemel en Aarde Ridge are situated within close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The maritime climate being more “temperate” in style, where parallel mountain ranges channel the southerly sea breezes through the appellation during the summer. These winds in turn bring regular sea mists and overcast conditions to the valley and with it more even temperatures. The average temperature is 19° C and rainfall, approximately, 750mm per year.
Cellar Techniques
The grapes were crushed and pressed and allowed to settle with the help of pectolytic enzymes. The clean juice was racked off after 24 hours and fermented in 500L French oak barrels (30% new). The wine was sulphured at the completion of alcoholic fermentation to inhibit MLF. This was done to keep the freshness and natural vibrant acidity in the wine. The wine was left on gross lees and intermittent batonage was performed for 6 months. The total time in barrel was 14 months. After which the wine was stabilized and clarified through filtration.
Winemaker
Name - Marc van Halderen
Winery
La Vierge, French for 'The Virgin', is nestled in the folds of the breathtaking Hemel-en-Aarde Valley (Heaven and Earth) close to Hermanus. Our lovingly tended vineyards, situated in Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, are characterized by long cool summers influenced by the close proximity of the Atlantic Ocean.
Using sketches and drawings by renowned British artist, Sir Michael Adams who works and lives in the Seychelles, a design language was created that reflects the rich symbolism associated with the Hemel-en-Aarde area. Our crest represents Adam and Eve pondering the Serpent and Apple.
The unspoilt beauty and provenance of our virgin terroir are reflected in the Garden of Eden theme of our branding, suggesting a lush verdant paradise with all the purity, simplicity, innocence and temptation of life's beginnings.
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