Perhaps I am biased (ok, I definitely am) but South African Chardonnays are some of the best in the world. And I’m not the only one saying so. According to the Chardonnay Association of South Africa: “South African Chardonnay is World-Class Chardonnay. Not because it is ’emerging.’ But because the wines themselves demand a place in the global conversation where they compete with the best of what the world’s Chardonnays have on offer.”
South African vineyards are home to ancient soils, coastal influences, dramatic shifts in climate, varying elevation and true South African innovation and tenacity. All this makes for beautiful Chardonnays of which the wines I suggest in this post are but a few.
Groote Post I Pinch of Salt Chardonnay (2023)
The Groote Post Pinch of Salt Chardonnay blew me away (and that means a lot coming from someone who doesn’t always enjoy chardonnay). Its fresh stone fruit and vibrant citrus notes on the nose, and beautiful minerality and zesty acidity on the palate, makes it the perfect wine for almost any occasion.
After losing their chardonnay vines to viral challenges the owners of Groote Post started replanting Chardonnay. They carefully chose superior clones and optimal farm locations for this grape variety. Nine years later all their planning and hard work has paid off. The new vineyards have exceeded expectations, yielding exceptional grapes and extraordinary wine. Groote Post Pinch of salt Chardonnay is fermented in three vessels: fifty percent in stainless steel ensuring a crisp character, thirty percent in French oak for richness and twenty percent in amphoras for a unique blend. Winemaker Lukas Wentzel’s three vessel approach creates a wine with exceptional layers of flavour and depth.
This lightly wooded 2023 vintage pairs perfectly with simple dishes like fish cakes and a light summer salad.
Ataraxia – Chardonnay
In 2004, The Skyfields Farm became the home of Ataraxia when husband-and-wife team Kevin and Hanli Grant acquired this exceptional 47-hectare vineyard property in the beautiful Hemel-and-Aarde valley near the coastal town of Hermanus. Kevin is a self-confessed terroiriste, believing that the true quality of a wine is determined long before it reaches the cellar—by the land itself.
Greek for “a serene state of mind, free from worry and preoccupation”, Ataraxia’s wines live up to this name. The Hemel-and-Aarde valley and Ataraxia is best known for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and for a good reason. And their Chardonnay is out of this world!
This Chardonnay is an expression of the low vigour, stony, clay-rich Bokkeveld Shale derived soils and the heavily maritime-influenced climate. Made using uncomplicated (not simple) winemaking techniques, it embraces the sophisticated tastes of salinity, brininess and minerality, all of which according to Kevin are the hallmarks of the great and classic white wines of the world.
Vergenoegd Löw Chardonnay 2023
Vergenoegd Löw is wedged between the Stellenbosch hills and the False Bay coastline. Located on a coastal plain a mere 4 km from the Atlantic coastline, the farm boasts one of the most maritime influenced terroirs in the Stellenbosch appellation. The estate is situated on one of the only limestone deposits in the viticultural area of Stellenbosch and the estate has made it there mission to harness all the unique attributes of the terroir. This unique terroir is evident in their elegant wines’ subtle hint of saltiness.
Chardonnay has a unique place in Vergenoegd Low’s history. It has been grown on the farm for years, and performs well in their calcareous soils. Winemaker Vusi Dalicuba describes the 2023 vintage as ‘restrained and contained but definitely not shy. Wine drinkers love its butterscotch and citrus marmalade tang.’ I couldn’t agree more Vusi.
NUY I Chardonnay 2022
The NUY 2022 Chardonnay from their Mastery range is another must for your Chardonnay Day celebration. This chardonnay took home a coveted double gold medal during the Gilbert & Gaillard International Wine Challenge a few years ago.
This beautiful chardonnay is wooded in a combination of French and American oak barrels for 12 months. With biscuit and lime aromas on the nose and palate its perfect for balmy Summer evenings.
Happy Chardonnay Day! I hope you get to celebrate with a glass or two of your favourite Chardonnay.
