Excelsior Chardonnay (South Africa)

All our chardonnay vineyards are situated in the limestone soils on the robertson region. Limestone and chardonnay have a great affinity as it brings out the citrus and mineral notes of the grape. The grapes are harvested at full ripeness when the still have high acids to ensure freshness in the final wine. Grapes are harvested by hand for greater quality control. The wines are immediately destemmed and cooled. Skin contact was maintained for 4 hours and then the grapes were carefully pressed in order to avoid bitter phenols. The wine was then cold fermented for 15 days at temperatures between 12 and 15 celcius. Lees contact was maintained for 3 months on order to give greater fullness to the final wine 25% of the wine was fermented in new french oak. Vintage conditions: the 2016 vintage was very hot and ver dry. Winter 2015 was very dry and by the end of the rainy season the dams had barely enough water for the season. We prepared for this by cutting water early and saving where