Chardonnay 2025
A bright, expressive Chardonnay, lightly oaked for three months. Vibrant citrus freshness is layered with subtle vanilla from a refined combination of French and American oak. Clean, well-balanced and enjoyable now, with enough structure to develop gracefully over the coming year.
description
Cultivar:
100% Chardonnay
Vineyards:
Helder Crest’s Chardonnay comes from vineyards on the lower slopes of the Helderberg in Stellenbosch. The maritime influence of False Bay tempers summer heat, while decomposed granite and shale soils provide excellent drainage and natural concentration in the fruit.
Viticulture:
Vines are spur-pruned and vertically trained for optimal sun exposure and airflow. Irrigation is minimal, ensuring smaller berries with intense flavour. Grapes are hand-harvested in the cool of morning to preserve freshness and natural acidity.
Vinification:
Hand-harvested grapes were destalked and crushed, followed by 24 hours of skin contact on the cooled mash. Cool fermentation at 14–16 °C was followed by extended lees ageing, with protein and tartrate stabilisation before bottling.
Wine Analysed Profile:
- Tasting notes: Bright, lightly oaked Chardonnay with fresh citrus notes and a touch of vanilla. Clean, balanced and ready to enjoy now.
- Alcohol / Acidity / pH / Residual sugar: Typical style ranges: 12–13.5% alc., total acidity 5.5–6.5 g/L, pH ~3.3–3.5, residual sugar dry to off-dry.
Maturation & Ageing Potential:
Best enjoyed within 3–5 years to retain its lively freshness, though careful cellaring allows development of richer honeyed and nutty notes with age.
Serving Suggestion:
Serve chilled, 8–10 °C. Excellent with shellfish, grilled fish, roasted poultry, or mildly spiced Asian cuisine. Also pairs beautifully with soft cheeses such as chèvre.
Awards & Accolades:
New vintage. 2024 Gold – Gilbert & Gaillard, France 2025