# Bartinney Chardonnay (2022)

- **Producer:** Noble Savage Investments (Pty) Ltd t/a Bartinney Private Cellars
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** Western Cape, South Africa
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €47
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** lemon, pear, peach, apple, cloves, vanilla, cream, butter, almond, honey

## About this wine

The Bartinney Chardonnay 2022 is a white wine from Stellenbosch, South Africa, produced by Bartinney Private Cellars. A unique aspect of this wine is its origin from the estate's oldest Chardonnay vineyard, planted in 1990, showcasing the maturity of high-altitude vines. The estate itself is family-owned, with a deep commitment to creating wines in harmony with nature and promoting sustainability. The vineyards' dramatic, steep slopes and specific soil types contribute to the wine's character. The 'Elevage' figure on the bottle symbolizes the French art of maturing wine. The 2022 vintage experienced a cool and slow growing season, influencing the ripening process.

## Interesting facts

- Vineyards reach up to 550m altitude on slopes as steep as 45 degrees.
- The oldest Chardonnay vines were planted in 1990.
- The bottle's 'Elevage' figure represents the French art of wine maturation.
- Bartinney is a Carbon Neutral estate utilizing solar energy.

## Food pairing

The wine's structure and richness pair well with creamy sauces and richer proteins like pork and salmon. Its vibrant acidity can cut through fatty elements, while subtle oak notes complement roasted dishes. Seafood with butter-based sauces finds a harmonious partner in this Chardonnay.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Bartinney Chardonnay begins with hand-harvested grapes that are crushed and destemmed before pressing, with only free-run juice selected. After a two-day settling period, the juice is transferred to oak barrels for fermentation. A portion of the wine undergoes spontaneous malolactic fermentation. The wine is then aged for 11 months in a mix of new and used French oak barrels, with the oak lightly toasted to maintain fruit purity. The producer emphasizes creating wines in harmony with nature and employs sustainable practices like being Carbon Neutral and using solar energy.