# Estate Chardonnay (2020)

- **Producer:** Paul Cluver Wines
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** Western Cape, South Africa
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €24
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** apple, peach, lemon, butter, vanilla, biscuit

## About this wine

The Paul Cluver Estate Chardonnay 2020 is a dry white wine from the Elgin region in the Western Cape, South Africa. Produced by Paul Cluver Wines, a family-owned estate that pioneered the Elgin appellation, this Chardonnay is a testament to the region's cool-climate viticulture. The grapes are sourced from estate vineyards planted on shale and sandstone soils, with vines ranging in age from 3 to 33 years. The wine is recognized for its refined expression, reflecting the unique terroir of Elgin.

## Interesting facts

- Pioneers of the Elgin region, establishing it as a premier cool-climate wine area.
- Grapes grown on slopes with shale and sandstone soils for optimal drainage.
- Vine ages range from 3 to 33 years, offering a spectrum of fruit and structure.
- Awarded a Trophy for Best White Wine at The Trophy Wine Show 2022.

## Food pairing

The wine's crisp acidity and medium-plus body make it versatile. It can cut through the richness of creamy sauces and fatty proteins, while its subtle oak notes complement roasted dishes. Citrus and herb elements in the food can echo the wine's own nuances.

## Wine making process

The Paul Cluver Estate Chardonnay 2020 is produced using whole-bunch pressing to gently extract juice. Fermentation takes place spontaneously with selected Burgundian yeast strains across various vessels, including French oak barrels (with a portion of new oak), 2500-liter foudre oak vats, older small oak barrels, and stainless steel tanks. A partial malolactic fermentation is allowed to occur. The wine undergoes aging for approximately 9-10 months in French oak barrels, with about 30% new oak. It is aged on its lees for several months, with regular stirring (batonnage) employed to build complexity and texture.