Meerlust Chardonnay 2017

Producer Information

Meerlust Estate has been the pride of the Myburgh family since 1756. Today, the dedication to quality winemaking continues under the guidance of 8th generation, Hannes Myburgh. Cellar Master, Chris Williams, who has worked on the estate since 1995 has been in charge of winemaking since 2004. The name Meerlust means “pleasure of the sea”, as the property is situated 5km from False Bay (and 15km south of Stellenbosch), with the cooling influence of the coast, allowing the grapes ripen slowly.

Vineyards

Sourced from 3 vineyards on the Estate situated on well drained Oakleaf, Dundee and Swartland soil types which produces the rich textured mouth feel and minerality. The younger vineyards were planted in 2007 on Cartref soils giving a greater fruit expression. Crop thinning occurred at pruning and at veraison. Five separate picking stages at optimum ripeness.

Winemaking

Some solids remained in the juice. Transferred to 50% new tight grain Allier French Oak and 50% second fill 300 litre barrels for fermentation.  Half of the barrels were inoculated with selected Chardonnay yeast, while the other half underwent un-inoculated, spontaneous fermentation.  After fermentation, the wine was given a racking to remove heavy lees and returned to barrel for malolactic fermentation.  The wine was barrel matured for 10 months before bottling.

Tasting Note

Very bright, polished platinum with green, vivacious hue. Complex, appealing nose with pear, citrus and floral notes developing into lemon cream, oatmeal and marzipan richness. On the palate the wine is medium bodied and linear but retains generous focused citrus fruit flavours with sleek, balanced and crisp acidity. The wine remains vivacious and fresh on the finish with clean citrus fruit and stony minerality. The wine has a long, very pleasant lingering finish.“, Chris Williams, Winemaker

Food Pairing

Serve with grilled fish, pork or roast chicken.

Serving Suggestion

Serve at 12-14°C.

Press

2017 SAWi Awards – Grand Gold

5 Stars Platters Guide 2017

John Platter: 4.5/5

Stellenbosch, South Africa
100% Chardonnay
Screwcap
13.0%
3.2 g/l
6.4 g/l
Yes
No

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