Rietvallei Special Select Chardonnay 2011

Rietvallei Special Select Chardonnay is a full-bodied, complex wine with excellent fruit and wood integration. Lots of work in the vineyard and minimal interference in the cellar allows this wine to express its terroir to the fullest.

A complex nose with appealing roasted citrus aromas and vibrant lime and toasty oak flavours, also revealing nuances of butterscotch with touches of pineapple and white pear. The palate is full and well balanced with rich citrus fruit and a silky thread of coconut milk, subtle oak and a firm acid. Added toastiness emerges on the end-palate and a long-lasting aftertaste makes for a satisfying finish.

Pair with roasted chicken, grilled duck or any creamy poultry dishes.Serve chilled (7 - 10ºC).

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variety : Chardonnay [ 100% Chardonnay ]

winery : Rietvallei Wine Estate

winemaker : Kobus Burger

wine of origin : Breede River

analysis : alc : 13.08 % vol rs : 2.8 g/l pH : 3.56 ta : 7.8 g/l va : 0.45 g/l so2 : 144 mg/l fso2 : 21 mg/l

type : White style : Dry body : Full taste : Fruity wooded

pack : Bottle closure : Cork

AWARDS

Chardonnay du Monde 2012 Competition - Gold Medal

in the vineyard : This Chardonnay is made from a single vineyard called "Die Kop" (which translates to hill) planted on top of a hill close to the cellar. The vines are planted in rich calcareous soil and faces northwest, situated 152 meters above sea level.

about the harvest: The selection process for this special cuvée already started with the identification of this specific vineyard and working at it with special care from pruning right through to harvesting ensuring a low yield (approximately 8 tons per hectare) and premium quality.

The grapes were picked by hand at 24 °B (Brix).

in the cellar : After crushing only the free-run juice was selected and after settling the clean juice was taken directly to new 300 liter French oak barrels. Each barrel was then individually inoculated with a specific cultivated yeast strain. After alcoholic fermentation the barrels was tasted and only those showing the most potential was left to mature for a further 10 months. After maturation each barrel was tasted again, scored and rated and only the finest were selected for this special release. This is truly a selection of Rietvallei's finest. Bottling commenced mid December 2012.

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