Rustenberg Chardonnay 2023 vs Schola Sarmenti Candora Chardonnay 2024
Compare current tracked prices, stockists and core specifications.
| Availability | In stock | In stock |
|---|---|---|
| Best current price | £16.99 | £16.99 |
| Current stockists | 1 merchant | 1 merchant |
| Producer | Rustenberg | — |
| Style | White | White |
| Grape | Chardonnay | Chardonnay |
| Region | Stellenbosch | Puglia |
| Country | South Africa | Italy |
| Size | 750ml | 750ml |
| Where to buy |
Rustenberg Chardonnay 2023
Rustenberg Chardonnay is a beautifully crafted, estate-grown white from one of Stellenbosch's most historic and respected producers. Whole-bunch pressed, wild yeast fermented, and aged on lees in French oak, this is a Chardonnay of real elegance and balance — rich enough to impress, yet fresh enough to drink with ease. A multi-award winner that punches well above its price point. Why You'll Love It Rustenberg's approach to Chardonnay is all about restraint and precision. Rather than chasing weight or power, the winemaking team focuses on seamless integration — of fruit, oak, and acidity — to produce a wine that feels effortless. The 2023 vintage benefited from a cool, wet winter followed by a warm ripening period, delivering high natural acidity and full fruit expression. Recognised with IWSC Gold, IWC Silver, DWWA Silver, 90 points from Tim Atkin MW, and 91 points from Platter. Vineyard & Production Estate-grown in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Grapes are hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed before fermentation in 300L oak barrels using wild yeasts. The wine is then aged on lees for 8 months in 25% new French oak, with the remainder in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th fill barrels — adding texture and complexity without overwhelming the fruit. Tasting Notes Aromas of apricot, coconut, and orange peel on the nose, leading to a palate of marzipan, sponge cake, and citrus. Carefully judged oak and fresh, balanced acidity are seamlessly integrated throughout, with a long, elegant finish. Perfect Pairings A versatile white for the table. Excellent with seafood, roast chicken, creamy pasta dishes, and soft cheeses. Also a natural match for lobster bisque, pan-fried scallops, or a classic chicken Kiev. The Blend Chardonnay 100% — Stellenbosch WO, South Africa. Wild yeast. Lees aged. 25% new French oak. 75cl bottle.
Schola Sarmenti Candora Chardonnay 2024
Schola Sarmenti Candora Chardonnay is a beautifully expressive white from the sun-soaked vineyards of Salento in southern Italy, capturing the warmth and generosity of Puglia while maintaining a refined balance of freshness, texture and aromatic depth. Full, velvety and elegantly structured, this is southern Italian Chardonnay at its most characterful. Why You'll Love It Schola Sarmenti is one of Salento's most respected producers, farming vineyards in one of Italy's most ancient wine-growing regions with a focus on quality, precision and the expression of local terroir. Candora is their Chardonnay, crafted from 15-year-old vines trained in the spalliera system with Guyot pruning, with carefully managed yields to ensure fruit concentration and quality. The result is a wine of great character, balance and persistence that over-delivers at its price point. Vineyard & Production Chardonnay vines around 15 years old are planted at a density of 4,200 vines per hectare with yields carefully managed at approximately 7,000 kg per hectare. Grapes are hand-picked and gently placed into airy crates to preserve their integrity before fermentation at controlled temperatures in stainless steel tanks. Tasting Notes Fresh floral aromas mingle with notes of exotic fruit and a delicate hint of vanilla spice on the nose. The palate is dry, full and velvety, with a beautifully harmonious structure and an elegant, lingering finish. A wine of great character, balance and persistence. Perfect Pairings Ideal with grilled seafood, creamy risottos and roasted chicken with Mediterranean herbs. Also excellent with soft cheeses, light pasta dishes and seafood antipasti. Grape Variety Chardonnay 100%
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