Ataraxia Chardonnay 2013

A chiselled, focussed wine that effortlessly manages to be both subtle and intense. The palate is penetrating and profound yet graceful and poised. A forceful mineral acidity is beautifully balanced by a subtle yet compelling intensity of fruit. A classic length, creaminess and intriguing complexity defines this stylish, world class Chardonnay.

variety : Chardonnay [ 100% Chardonnay ]

winery : Ataraxia

winemaker : Kevin Grant

wine of origin : Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge

analysis : alc : 13.66 % vol rs : 2.7 g/l pH : 3.16 ta : 7.73 g/l

type : White style : Dry body : Medium taste : Mineral wooded

pack : 0 size : 0 closure : 0

in the vineyard : This hand crafted wine is the product of some truly unique, extreme and radical vineyard sites situated exclusively in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge wine ward, close to the fishing village of Hermanus. Soils from these sites are derived from the Bokkeveld shale group, which are characteristically low-vigour, clay-rich and stony. Because of the cool maritime climate that exists here, the grapes have a long hang time which is a critical requirement for the fruit to reach optimum ripeness.

about the harvest: Picked early in the morning in mid-March 2013, the grapes were speedily transported to the cellar to ensure that all the exciting fruit flavours of the grapes were preserved, which are now beautifully reflected in this wine.

in the cellar : As has become the norm in crafting Ataraxia Chardonnay, a minimalist, non-interventionist winemaking approach, geared to reflect sense of place and expression of terroir, was adopted. This wine is 100% barrel fermented and carefully matured in specially selected small French oak barriques sourced exclusively from Burgundian coopers. Fortnightly batonnage was employed throughout the 9 month maturation period. The result is a Chardonnay that is New World in provenance but Old World in stylistic leaning.

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