In 2004 Robertson Winery launched their flagship Constitution Road range with the release of the 2002 Constitution Road Shiraz, an opulent wine made from the best barrels sourced from Robertson Winery's top shiraz vineyards. Named after the winery’s home at No 1 Constitution Road in Robertson and commemorating ten years of democracy in South Africa under the new constitution, the highly-acclaimed Constitution Road Shiraz has risen to great heights, achieving significant local and international recognition.
Joining the Shiraz in this range, the Robertson Winery Constitution Road Chardonnay is “deliciously rounded and deeply satisfying”, according to Jacques Roux, specialty winemaker at Robertson Winery. “This Chardonnay has got everything! It has so many dimensions and layers from apricot, peach and pineapple to some nuttiness, a hint of vanilla from the wood and a whiff of coffee. From a slice of cheesecake to a braai chop, you can pair this wine with anything.”
Recent accolades at the 2016 Chardonnay du Monde international competition confirm that the Constitution Road Chardonnay is indeed a worthy addition to this flagship range. Held between 8 and 11 March 2016 in the Burgundy wine region of France, Chardonnay du Monde awarded two Medals to the Robertson Winery Constitution Road Chardonnay, a Gold Medal to the maiden vintage limited release Chardonnay 2013 and a Silver Medal to the current vintage Chardonnay 2014. Now in its 23rd year, Chardonnay du Monde once again recognised the world’s best Chardonnay wines after tasting 782 Chardonnays from 39 countries.
To celebrate the release of the Chardonnay, the Constitution Road wines are adorned with a creative new Anthony Lane label design; symbolising the democratic pillars of the South African Constitution which inspired the launch of this flagship range, and mirroring the values and beliefs of Robertson Winery.
ROBERTSON WINERY CONSTITUTION ROAD CHARDONNAY 2014
The vineyard: The grapes come from selected premium vineyards on Robertson Winery’s Wandsbeck farm. The vineyards are shy bearing and the berries are extremely small. “It’s an amazing vineyard. I have worked with many different vineyards in the Robertson Wine Valley over the past five years and this is the best for Chardonnay”, continues Jacques Roux.
The cellar: Only the free-run juice was used, partially settled for 12 hours and then racked off the heavy lees into 100% new 300-litre French oak barrels. Natural fermentation took place in barrel, after which the wine was left on the primary lees, underwent 100% malolactic fermentation and 16 months barrel maturation.
The wine: Alluring interlaced aromas of citrus, buttered toast, marmalade and vanilla are prominent on the nose. A zesty acidity counters the rich creamy texture on the palate, which exhibits layers of citrus, pear and butterscotch that linger on the finish. “Pair this wine with a joyous gathering of family and friends as you celebrate abundance”, concludes Jacques.
The accolades: Chardonnay du Monde 2016 Gold Medal for the 2013 Constitution Road Chardonnay and a Silver Medal for the 2014 Constitution Road Chardonnay.
The food: Eggs Benedict; Grilled prawns or salmon with garlic butter sauce; Fillet steak béarnaise; Grilled chicken with butternut coulis and sliced avocado; Toasted polenta with Brie and sautéed mushrooms; Sage-butter pumpkin ravioli.
The price: The Robertson Winery Constitution Road Chardonnay 2014 retails nationally at leading wine retailers for approximately R180.
ROBERTSON WINERY CONSTITUTION ROAD SHIRAZ 2012
The vineyard: The grapes are sourced from Robertson Winery’s top shiraz vineyards - two premium blocks on the Wolfkloof farm.
The cellar: A 10% saignée and two days of cold maceration took place in small open top fermenters. Once fermentation began, the skin cap was punched down or pumped over every six hours to ensure optimal extraction of flavour, tannin and colour. After fermentation the wine was left on the skins for 5-7 days extended maceration. Malolactic fermentation took place in 100% new 225- and 300-litre oak barrels (94% French and 6% Hungarian), followed by 36 months barrel maturation.
The wine: It has a radiant deep purple colour. Rich aromas of ripe plum and blackberries envelop warm spice notes and a hint of dark chocolate. The ripe, dark fruit found on the nose follows through onto the voluptuous, velvety palate and lingers on the finish. This opulent wine is bold, well structured and exquisitely poised.
The accolades: Awards for the Constitution Road Shiraz include exceptional performances at the Michelangelo International Wine Awards, the Shiraz SA Wine Challenge and Syrah du Monde; regular 4½ and 4 star Platter’s ratings as well as a Decanter World Wine Awards Trophy.
The food: Slow-roasted barbecue pork shoulder with plum sauce; Grilled pepper steak with onion and blue cheese; Herb-crusted rack of lamb; A hearty venison casserole.
The price: The Robertson Winery Constitution Road Shiraz 2012 retails nationally at leading wine retailers for approximately R180.
ROBERTSON WINERY, 160km from Cape Town, is situated in the beautiful Robertson Wine Valley. The tasting room is open seven days a week.
Tel: 023 626 3059 · E-Mail: info@robertsonwinery.co.za · Website: www.robertsonwinery.co.za
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