Delaire Graff Estate

Delaire Graff Estate Chardonnay Banghoek Reserve

South Africa, Stellenbosch

2022

A carefully considered, elegantly balanced, barrel fermented Chardonnay. Whole bunch pressed, fermented and matured in French barriques for ten months, this wine shows great tension. Ripe orchard fruit, tart citrus notes, almonds and green hazelnuts, toast and vanilla bean pair well with saffron risotto with yellow chilli and grilled chicken.

Vineyard Excellence at Delaire Graff Estate

From the dramatic slopes of the Helshoogte Pass, Stellenbosch, the meticulous vineyard management of Delaire Graff Estate, combined with its exceptional terroir, yields superb quality fruit. Extensive bunch sorting of the grapes forms part of the quality management process.

Crafting Process

The grapes were a whole bunch pressed and barrel-fermented for 14 days. Maturation took place in 225-litre French oak barrels, 40% new, for 10 months. In order to retain freshness, no battonage or malolactic fermentation took place.

Tasting
NOTES

Elegant with a balanced creaminess. Aromatics are centred around ripe orchard fruit and tart citrus fruits with lactic nuances. There is a chalky, earthy humus quality which adds complexity alongside fresh almonds and green hazelnut characters. A subtle toastiness and vanilla bean nuances indicate judicious use of new oak barriques. Linear, lifted acidity strikes a pleasing balance. Just a touch of bitterness or prominent alcohol at the back of the aftertaste.

Food
PAIRINGS

A complex layered wine that will cope with meatier fish; perhaps turbot with olive oil blanquette, parsnip and green hazelnuts. Shellfish would also pair well given the taut acidity, as would saffron risotto with yellow chilli and grilled chicken, sourdough and toasted butter.