Paul Cluver Village Chardonnay 2023

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Producer	Paul Cluver
Vintage	2023
Style	White
Grape	Chardonnay

About this wine

Paul Cluver Village Chardonnay is a refined and vibrant expression of Chardonnay from the Elgin estate in South Africa. This inaugural vintage showcases the estate’s commitment to precision viticulture, blending several vineyard components to create a wine of elegance, energy, and complexity. Meet the producer Paul Cluver Wines, located in the cool-climate Elgin region, is renowned for producing expressive, terroir-driven wines. Their meticulous vineyard management and innovative winemaking techniques allow them to capture freshness, minerality, and varietal purity in every bottle. Production The wine is a blend of Chardonnay from vineyards aged between 6 and 18 years. Grapes were hand-picked in the cool early hours, with careful overnight cooling to preserve freshness. Fermentation and ageing were conducted in a mix of vessels: 16% in stainless steel, 41% in 2,500-litre oak vats, 8% in concrete egg, and the remainder in older 300-litre French barrels. All components underwent spontaneous fermentation and were aged on the lees for 8 months before blending and bottling. Malolactic fermentation was applied to enhance richness and texture. Vintage conditions The vintage followed a cold winter with ample rainfall, creating ideal growing conditions. Moderate day temperatures and cool nights promoted balanced flavour development and high natural acidity. Some unseasonal rain in March posed challenges, but careful vineyard management and cellar practices ensured healthy, high-quality fruit. Chardonnay harvesting occurred between 15 February and 21 March, with grapes harvested at 21.2–22.8 °Brix and acidities between 6.2–8.4 g/l. Tasting notes The wine displays a beautifully poised bouquet of citrus, citrus blossom, and white peach, complemented by a hint of maritime salinity. The palate is energetic and fresh, with a long, lingering finish and a delicate, fine texture. Food match Pairs beautifully with seafood, shellfish, poultry, creamy pastas, or fresh salads. Technical