2024 De Wetshof Chardonnay Lesca

Bright straw yellow in color, with a powerful scent, butter, banana, richness, breadth, beautiful wood, a pleasant fresh citrus note, smoky and complex and delicious white fruit. A powerful taste, broad, lots of depth and intensity, juicy and fresh, beautiful citrus fruit, the wood is only present in the background.

The Lesca has always been one of Danie de Wet's favourite wines. It was not without reason that he named it after his wife, whom he married in 1975, when he was 26. De Wet understood early on the importance of using specific clones to achieve a specific flavour profile for his wines. For Lesca, clones are used that give the wine a clear citrus-like character. These were planted in the late eighties, early nineties, so that they are now mature enough to produce wines with the necessary depth and concentration. The citrus-like character of the wine is accentuated by a subsoil of gravel and limestone, as we also find in France. Ideal for fine Chardonnay. The yields are limited, and amount to no more than sixty hectolitres per hectare. The wine is fermented in French oak barrels, which are selected for their subtle character, so that they emphasise the fruit in the wine. It only remains in the barrel for three months, which results in a wine that excels in finesse and subtlety. Chardonnay at its finest.

De Wetshof Estate is located in the Robertson wine region, approximately 160 kilometres from Cape Town. Johann de Wet, the father of the current owner of De Wethof Estate, Danie, laid the foundation for the domain as it is today in 1952. For son Danie, it was not obvious at first to become a winemaker. In his heart he actually wanted to become a veterinarian. His father persuaded him to go into wine, because he saw the future of the farm in that. He convinced his son by promising him that he could study in Geisenheim, Germany, to broaden his horizons in Europe. In 1972, upon his return, De Wetshof became the first private cellar in Robertson, separate from the local cooperative. Danie saw many possibilities and planted noble varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Chardonnay. This led to De Wetshof becoming the most famous producer of Chardonnay in South Africa over the years. Under the leadership of Danie de Wet, De Wetshof has grown into one of the leading wine companies in South Africa. It measures no less than 200 hectares, planted with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir.