Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection Chardonnay is an elegant, complex barrel-fermented white wine from South Africa's Western Cape, crafted from vineyards in Stellenbosch and Robertson. The Stellenbosch portion provides structure and fruit from decomposed granite soils, while the Robertson portion adds texture and mineral elements from limestone-based soils, creating a wine with delicate oak, crystalline acidity, and a slight pithy finish.

Why You'll Love It

This is South African Chardonnay with real elegance—complex, beautifully balanced, and expertly crafted with 8 months in French oak. The 2023 vintage was one of the smallest Chardonnay harvests in history, making this wine particularly special. Careful winemaking including extended skin contact, whole bunch pressing for finesse, and barrel fermentation at low temperatures creates exceptional quality. The combination of granite and limestone soils adds layers of complexity, offering outstanding value for a barrel-fermented Chardonnay.

Vineyard & Production

Sourced from Stellenbosch vineyards planted in decomposed granite soils (providing structure and fruit) and Robertson vineyards on limestone-based soils (providing texture and mineral elements). The 2023 vintage featured a moderate, dry winter and spring with earlier bud-break and flowering. Grapes were harvested and crushed with extended skin contact for at least 12 hours before pressing. Only free-run juice was used, with certain portions whole bunch pressed for elegance. After settling, juice was inoculated with slow-fermenting yeast, racked into barrel, and fermented at low temperature. The wine spent 8 months in a combination of 20% new and 80% second and third fill 400L French oak barrels.

Tasting Notes

Elegant and complex with upfront aromas of limes and citrus blossoms. Delicate taste of oak on the palate supported by crystalline acid structure and a slight pithy finish. Medium-bodied with excellent balance and refinement.

Perfect Pairings

A versatile wine perfect with grilled fish, lobster, creamy seafood dishes, roasted chicken, soft cheeses, or rich pasta. Also excellent with scallops, crab, or simply as an elegant aperitif.

Grape Variety

100% Chardonnay

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