Decanter World Wine Awards 2016 – BRONZE
Tasting Notes
It is fresh and fragrant, with a delicate balance between crisp citrus, tropical fruits and subtle toasted oak. It is elegant with a crisp minerality stemming from the terroir and the cooling influences of the nearby Atlantic Ocean only 8km away. The freshness and clean palate of the wine will stand up to rich pasta dishes or roast chicken and will make excellent pairing options to this wine.
Fermentation in tank was natural for the greater part, finished only with a commercial yeast. 100% malolactic fermentation took place in aged French 300L barrels and then the wine was left to mature on the lees for a further 11 months, which helped develop further the creamy palate.
Technical Analysis
Alcohol: 13.71% Residual Sugar: 3.1 g/l Total Acidity: 5.6 g/l pH: 3.41
Harvested 6th March 2013 Bottled: January 2014 Ageing potential: 5-7 years
Production: 3,768 bottles (750ml)
Harvest Report
The Seven Springs harvest season had never started so late, for producers across the Western Cape it was not only late but also around two weeks shorter than usual. The prolonged winter conditions had continued well into September in some areas and was followed by a cool spring, with the occasional rains and even floods on some farms. These cold, wet weather conditions ensured even bud burst across the vineyard, and the accumulation of water allowed the vines to cope with the warmer conditions later in the season.
The vineyards had good growth in ideal dry weather conditions during flowering and whilst the fruit set, which happens around late October early November. We experienced none of the customary gale force winds which often prevail early in the season and the grapevines were able to flourish, but the southeaster was out in force throughout December.
From mid January until April the conditions were hot and dry, making it a challenging year with respect to irrigation management. The ripening period was dry and warm, keeping our harvest season quite short.
Watch our video, listen to what our Winemaker has to say about Seven Springs Chardonnay 2013
