Cap Maritime Chardonnay 2020

The wine is clear with a bright straw colour. The nose is delicate, focused and complex, with abundant aromas of ripe citrus, fresh pineapple, yellow apple, and subtle whiffs of vanilla, nutmeg and preserved lemon. The lime and pineapple of the nose follow through, with flavours of white peach, apricot, poached pear and notes of lemon curd, honeysuckle and burnt caramel on a juicy, balanced palate. The wine is lithe and refreshing, rich yet elegant, with a medium body, natural acidity and subtle oak nuances Hints of toasted almonds, passion fruit and crème brulee linger on a clean, taut finish

The Vineyards of Cap Maritime

Translated as "Heaven & Earth", the Hemel-en-Aarde is undoubtedly one of the most exciting places to grow Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in South Africa. Cap Maritime is located within the middle of the three appellations, the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, a mere 4km from the ocean and perched on the north-west face of the valley with views across the hills and the Bot River Lagoon. With our roots set, we strive to create wines that reflect the essence of their origin while representing a style to which we aspire. The Hemel-en-Aarde region sub-divided into three appellations based on altitude and soil type. The Upper Hemel-en-Aarde appellation stretches 4km to 8km in proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and is distinctively unique with the emergence of igneous decomposed granite over iron-rich clay & sandstone subsoils. The climate here is generally cool and temperate, benefiting from the parallel mountain ranges channeling cold winds through the appellation during summer while regulated by the misty maritime influences from the valley below. Translated as "Heaven & Earth", the Hemel-en-Aarde is undoubtedly one of the most exciting places to grow Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in South Africa. Cap Maritime is located within the middle of the three appellations, the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, a mere 4km from the ocean and perched on the north-west face of the valley with views across the hills and the Bot River Lagoon. With our roots set, we strive to create wines that reflect the essence of their origin while representing a style to which we aspire. The Hemel-en-Aarde region sub-divided into three appellations based on altitude and soil type. The Upper Hemel-en-Aarde appellation stretches 4km to 8km in proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and is distinctively unique with the emergence of igneous decomposed granite over iron-rich clay & sandstone subsoils. The climate here is generally cool and temperate, benefiting from the parallel mountain ranges channeling cold winds through the appellation during summer while regulated by the misty maritime influences from the valley below.

The grapes were picked, hand-sorted and transported in refrigerated trucks to our winery in Franschhoek. Careful selection took place before whole-bunch pressing. The juice settled naturally in the tank for two days before being racked off into 50% small Burgundian 1,200L Foudre and 50% new French oak barriques where fermentation began spontaneously. Light batonnage was performed throughout the 14 months of elevage.

50% small Burgundian 1,200L Foudre and 50% new French oak barriques where fermentation began spontaneously. Light batonnage was performed throughout the 14 months of elevage.