Production
The grapes for False Bay Crystalline Chardonnay stem primarily from from a single vineyard in Stellenbosch located next door to one of the region’s most lauded proponents of this noble cultivar. This coastal vineyard, gives lower yields, smaller berries which maintain their own natural acidity, thus obviating the need to add acid during the winemaking process. Made by Waterkloof’s talented young Cellarmaster Nadia Barnard. Balanced grapes are hand harvested, fermented spontaneously with wild yeast in stainless steel tanks and then left on lees for a minimum of six months before bottling. No additions other than sulphur as a preservative. Grown, made and bottled in South Africa. Vegan friendly wine from 2018 vintage. False Bay – Real Wine – Coastal Vineyards, Sustainably Farmed, Hand Picked, Naturally Crafted, Wild Ferment, Unoaked.
Tasting notes
Wild yeast fermentation, low yields and naturally balanced grapes inform this serious unoaked textural Chardonnay with great focus and poise. Classy, with flinty minerality and great purity and restraint. Extended time on the lees adds nutty and toasty notes. Intense yet delicate right through to the finish.