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Craven

2022

Chardonnay

Stellenbosch - South Africa
Shelf Talker Spec Sheet Wine Label Bottle Image

About

Chardonnay is a grape Mick and Jeanine have always enjoyed drinking and it was only a matter of time before they decided to take the plunge and make a ‘Craven’ example. After looking around for a suitable vineyard, they decided to stay in the Polkadraai Hills for this. The small sub-region brings a real inherent saltiness and freshness to white wines. They reached out to local legend Danie Carinus about purchasing from fruit from his coveted Bluegum Grove Vineyard from fifth generation Stellenbosch vigneron Danie Carinus. In 2022, yields were down across most of the Western Cape, with Stellenbosch being the notable exception. Winter conditions were ideal with plentiful water reserves.

The grapes were immediately whole-bunch pressed to tank and left to let the really heavy stuff settle. The next day the juice was racked into neutral 500L barrels, still quite dirty to promote a healthy fermentation, and remained there to complete malolactic fermentation. Primary fermentation lasted about two months with ML finishing considerably ahead of the primary. The lees was stirred every so often to reduce reduction. After 9 months of élevage in the same barrels, the wine was racked and bottled with a light sheet filtration and a small dose of SO2. No fining.

Stats

  • Grapes: 100% Chardonnay
  • Vineyard: Bluegum Grove Vineyard - farmed by Danie Carinus
  • Vine Age: 19-years-old
  • Soil Type: Granitic sand
  • Viticulture: Practicing organic
  • Fermentation: Native – neutral 500L French tonneau
  • Skin Contact: None
  • Aging: 9 months in neutral 500L French puncheons
  • Alcohol: 11.5%
  • pH: 3.35
  • Total Acidity: 6.1 g/L
  • Total SO2: 45 ppm
  • Total Production: 250 cases
  • UPC: 6009803564676

Tasting Note

The wine truly tastes like the Polkadraai with its brininess and textural fruit characters. The region is prominently showed in many ways more than the grape. That said the wine is unmistakably Chardonnay, and a fine one at that. Saline with apple juice, asian pear, and a squeeze of lime. The texture on the palate is addictive, with apple skin notes and high toned acidity. Great tension and balance of savory notes and fruit.

Press & Reviews

The WineMag

91

"Grapes from a Polkadraai Hills vineyard by the name of Bluegum Grove managed by Danie Carinus. Matured for nine months in old oak. White peach, citrus and apple on the nose while the palate has good fruit definition and bright acidity – a little more roundness and weight than usual although the alcohol remains low at 11.5%."

- Christian Eedes

Vinous

90

"The 2022 Chardonnay comes from the lower reaches of the Polkerdraai, whole bunch pressed and matured in 500-liter used French oak. This takes a couple of minutes to cohere in the glass, traces of yellow plum, Mirabelle, and a light lanolin note. The palate is well-balanced with orange zest and mandarin on the entry and a pithy, almost Chenin-like finish. Very fine."

- Neal Martin
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Producer


Craven

Region


Stellenbosch

Country


South Africa

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