# Ava Marie Restless River Vineyards (2021)

- **Producer:** Restless River Wines
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** Western Cape, South Africa
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.6%
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** lemon, blossom, white peach, flinty reduction, oatmeal, almond

## About this wine

Ava Marie Restless River Vineyards 2021 is a 100% Chardonnay from Restless River Wines, located in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Western Cape. The grapes are sourced from a single-vineyard block established in 1999, among the oldest Chardonnay vines in the area. The vineyard is situated on east and south-facing slopes with shallow topsoils of iron-rich rocks and sandy gravel, over decomposed granite and clay subsoils. Restless River Wines is a family estate run by Craig and Anne Wessels, with Craig Wessels focusing on site expression and a minimalist winemaking philosophy.

## Interesting facts

- Vines planted in 1999 make this one of the oldest Chardonnay blocks in the region.
- Winemaker Craig Wessels draws inspiration from the elegance of Chablis.
- The vineyard soil varies from iron-rich rocks to sandy gravel.
- The wine is produced with a minimalist winemaking approach.

## Food pairing

The wine's bright acidity and mineral notes cut through the richness of seafood and creamy dishes, while its subtle fruit and almond characteristics complement lighter proteins and savory elements. The zesty profile makes it versatile for dishes with citrus or herbal components.

## Wine making process

The 2021 Ava Marie Chardonnay underwent fermentation using indigenous yeasts. The wine was matured for 12 months, with 90% of the volume aged in 500-litre barrels, including 10% new oak, and 10% aged in terracotta amphorae. Following this, it was aged sur lie for a period, then spent three months in stainless steel tanks before an 18-month period of bottle aging.