# The Art of Chardonnay (2021)

- **Producer:** Creation Wines
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** Western Cape, South Africa
- **Style:** Classic
- **Average price:** €65
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** peach, pear, lemon, thyme, struck-match, blanched almond, seashell

## About this wine

Creation The Art of Chardonnay 2021 is a single-vineyard Chardonnay from the Walker Bay region of South Africa, produced by Creation Wines. The wine originates from a specific vineyard site characterized by quartz seams. The estate, founded by Jean-Claude and Carolyn Martin, focuses on sustainability and minimal intervention winemaking. Its location in Walker Bay benefits from cool maritime conditions, contributing to slow grape ripening. The 2021 vintage is distinguished by its sourcing from a select vineyard pocket and its precise character.

## Interesting facts

- Vineyards planted on virgin soils to ensure virus-free status.
- Estate utilizes ancient clay loam soils.
- Won the Global Winner Award for Most Innovative Wine Estate in 2021.
- Proximity to the Atlantic Ocean moderates temperatures.

## Food pairing

The wine's vibrant acidity cuts through the richness of creamy sauces and fatty proteins, while its savory notes complement seafood and earthy ingredients. Citrus elements in the wine echo bright flavors in dishes.

## Wine making process

Creation The Art of Chardonnay 2021 is produced from grapes carefully selected from a specific pocket within a single vineyard. The winemaking process involves hand-harvesting. Fifty percent of the Chardonnay undergoes spontaneous fermentation in a mix of old and new French oak barrels. Following fermentation, the wine is aged on its lees for 10 months. A barrel selection is then made before the wine is bottled unfiltered and unfined. Creation Wines is committed to virus-free vineyards and utilizes virgin soils for its plantings.