Boekenhoutskloof Cap Maritime Coastal Chardonnay 2023

The Boekenhoutskloof Cap Maritime Chardonnay specifically hails from the Hemel-en-Aarde valley, one of the most thrilling regions for cultivating the chardonnay varietal in South Africa. The vines are planted in sandy and decomposed granite soils, enjoying a cool and moderate climate where mountain ranges channel oceanic breezes. There is a constant effort to preserve the land's unique biodiversity, eradicating exotic plants and weeds while implementing sustainable viticultural practices. The grapes are hand-harvested and transported to the winery in refrigerated trucks. There, the fruit is meticulously selected, whole-bunch pressed, and the resulting juice is allowed to settle over two days. Fermentation then commences, with 50% in 1,200-liter foudres and 50% in new French oak barrels. The wine is subsequently matured for 14 months in these same vessels.

Much like the lady gracing the winery's image, Boekenhoutskloof Cap Maritime Chardonnay is a white wine of slender elegance. A chardonnay that pays homage to a maritime heritage that continues to play a leading role in the wines emerging from this area of the Western Cape South Coast.