Wine Composition
100% Chardonnay
Winemakers Comments
A bright wine with hints of lime and gold in colour. This Chardonnay has superb and distinctive flavours of citrus and pear with a subtle oak aroma of roasted almonds. The palate and nose are both rich and refreshing with a combination of lime-citrus and white pear flavours. This classically dry and silky wine has superb viscosity and length.
Technical Analysis
Alcohol Percentage
13.5%
TA
6.2 g/l
pH
3.33
RS
1.8 g/l
Vineyards /Vintage
The Chardonnay grapes were hand harvested from two neighbouring South West facing vineyards. Virus free Chardonnay material was planted in 2005 on some of the best South West facing slopes of the Polkadraai Hills. The two vineyards are lying at altitudes that range from 200-320 meters above sea level; these higher South West facing elevated slopes tend to give wines with beautiful natural acidity, resulting in a pleasant pungency and longevity. The richness and full-bodied fruit in the wine has been accentuated by the open canopies of the vineyards during ripening. All these flavours are backed with a flinty minerality from the decomposed granite soils of the Polkadraai Hills.
Cellar Techniques
The Chardonnay grapes were harvested at 24,5 ºBrix and lightly crushed. After pressing the juice was settled and racked to first and second fill 500l barrels, where it fermented and matured for 9 months. Extended post fermentation lees contact with regular lease stirring lends a mid-palate weight and a creamy texture without obscuring the articulation of the aromatic potential.
Winemaker
Name - Jacques Viljoen
Winery
Situated on the Stellenbosch Wine Route, Zevenwacht has viticultural roots which penetrate deep into the historic part of South Africa. While literally meaning Seven Expectations, the name Zevenwacht exemplifies the abundant delights which await visitors to the Farm. A leader in wine tourism, Zevenwacht was one of the first Wine Estates to establish a restaurant, hotel and conference facility, Cheesery and Spa on the Estate.
The wines of Zevenwacht are distinguished by their classic style and finely crafted elegance. Winemaker Jacques Viljoen honours century-old wine-making traditions, yet is boldly innovative, welcoming the contribution that modern technology makes to the vinification of premier wines. Covering 120 hectares of the 450-hectare property, the vineyards are ideally situated for the growing of quality grapes. Zevenwacht is characterized by good quality, varied soils and the vineyards have been selectively planted with red and white noble varietals.
