Paul Cluver - Chardonnay Estate 2019
- Producer Paul Cluver
- Blend 100% Chardonnay
- Country South Africa
- Region Cape South Coast
- Appellation Elgin
- UPC 6 50293 00002 9
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Item# 91098-19
Decanter Wine Awards
91pt
Food pairing
Fish, poultry, pork and game bird dishes work well with this wine. It works
particularly well with creamy pastas and salmon dishes. The good acidity and
balance between wood and fruit keeps the wine from being overly rich and
consequently, great without food too. Mussel soup is a perfect match.
Tasting notes
On the nose this wine shows great citrus aspects and winter melon notes with
some light toasted brioche in the background. Tangerine fruit and citrus blossom
fragrances are apparent, with hints of vanilla pod and almond flakes. These
characteristics follow through onto the palate. The fine, fresh acidity is natural, and
adds poise and focus to the wine.
Vineyard
Currently there are 13.7 hectares planted to Chardonnay on the estate, which
equates to 18.2% of the total plantings. Clones include 76, 95 175, 270, 548 and
1066. The first vines were planted in 1987 and the youngest blocks in 2016.
Vines range in age from 2 to 31 years. The soil is predominantly decomposed
Bokkeveld Shale with underlying clay layers of varying depths. Vine orientation
is East/West on the South east facing slopes and North/South on the South-
South West facing slopes. Height above sea level ranges from 280 to 350
meters.
Vinification
This wine was 100% wild fermented in a selection of French oak barrels. (30% new,
the rest 2nd; 3rd and 4th fill.) Lees stirring was done and the wine remained on the
lees for a total of nine months without any Sulphur addition. Only 25% of the wine
went through malolactic fermentation, all without inoculation, further ensuring
freshness and acidity. After tasting and blending trials, the wine was assembled
from the best barrels, stabilized and prepared for bottling.
Estate
The Paul Cluver estate is a 4th generation family business that has been farming in the Elgin Valley for more than 120 years. They are proud to have pioneered Elgin as a premium wine growing region. With a focus is on producing world class wines that reflect the uniqueness of the valley. They strive to achieve this while being mindful of their actions both on the environment and on the community. Their wines are a benchmark of the region.
