Balance Winemaker’s Selection Chardonnay White Wine 750ml 12.5% (2023, South Africa)

Winemaker’s Selection
CHARDONNAY

WINE DESCRIPTION
The wine showcases an elegant profile with citrus and pear 
flavours, complemented by subtle tropical notes and buttery 
undertones. Underlying oak adds complexity, leading to a 
refined and well-balanced finish.

VINEYARDS
The vineyards are found in a variation in meso-climates, 
exposed hills, and sheltered valleys, with soils from Granite, 
Sandstone soils and Alluvial soils. Grapes are picked from a 
selection of these dierent wards in the Western Cape.

WINEMAKING TECHNIQUES
Cold skin maceration was carried out for six hours before the 
free-run juice was left to ferment in stainless steel tanks with 
French oak staves for three weeks at 12°C. The wine was left 
on the gross lees, where batonnage was applied for a week. It 
was then racked and left on the fine lees until just before 
bottling.

VINTAGE CONDITIONS
The Cape Winelands experienced a very good winter, with 
temperatures consistently lower than the long-term average. 
The annual rainfall was average, leading to a good accumulation 
of cold units for an even bud burst. 
Bud break initially occurred two weeks earlier than normal. 
However, the cold temperatures and good rainfall delayed the 
initial growth and bud break of late-ripening cultivars. 
The maximum temperatures were higher than the long-term 
average, while the minimum temperatures were much lower. 
These temperature dierences, combined with the dry weather, 
produced healthy grapes. 

FOOD PAIRING
Combines beautifully with rich and indulgent dishes. Ideal 
pairings include butter chicken with a creamy, spiced sauce, 
deep-fried Camembert with a crispy crust, and tender veal. 
Also complements crayfish with its sweet, delicate meat.