2022 De Wetshof Estate Chardonnay Bon Vallon

It is a misunderstanding to think that chardonnay only has class if it has been aged in wood. Look at wines like Chablis: if the chardonnay grapes have enough character of their own, they don't need wood to shine. And even the wine drinker nowadays realizes that unwooded chardonnay with its natural freshness is delicious as an aperitif or as a wine with light fish dishes. The Bon Vallon is De Wetshof's answer to this new trend and the first classy South African 'unwooded' chardonnay. The grapes for the Bon Vallon are harvested when they have a lot of power and flavor intensity. Just like the Lesca, clones are used that emphasize the fresh and citrus-like character of the chardonnay. The grapes benefit from a cool sea breeze from Cape Agulhas, which provides a lot of aroma and freshness. After fermentation, maturation takes place on the lie, the yeast cells, which gives it a nice concentration and a pleasant butteriness, which ensures a perfect balance with the freshness and the citrus fruit. A delicious and above all refreshing glass of chardonnay is the result.

Powerful smell, citrus, toasted bread, nuts and banana, exotic touch, butter, peach and apple, very buttery and full in taste, a nice thick wine, nicely balanced, good juice, freshness too, some smokiness and lightly toasted, delicious citrus fruit. Nice to combine with white meat, guinea fowl or turkey, salad with smoked trout and green asparagus, soft cheeses.

The Wetshof Estate is located in the Robertson wine region, approximately 160 kilometers from Cape Town. Johann de Wet, the father of the current owner of De Wethof Estate, Danie, laid the foundations 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 be a veterinarian. His father persuaded him to go into wine anyway, because he saw the future of the farm in it. He convinced his son by promising him to 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 numerous possibilities and planted noble varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Chardonnay. Over the years, this led to De Wetshof becoming the most famous producer of Chardonnay in South Africa. Under the leadership of Danie de Wet, De Wetshof has grown into one of South Africa's leading wine companies. It measures no less than 200 hectares, planted with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir.