Thelema Chardonnay 2023

Fermented and matured in French oak barrels, the 2023 vintage offers a finely balanced expression of Stellenbosch Chardonnay. Aromas of lemon zest and white blossom lead into subtle notes of stone fruit and toasted almonds on the palate.

Medium-bodied with bright acidity and a refined mineral core, the wine finishes with a long, creamy texture and gentle oak integration.

FOOD PAIRING Full flavoured dishes such as lobster, tuna, chicken and pork.

VITICULTURAL PRACTICES:

Variety Chardonnay – Clones CY3 & CY5

Root stock 101 – 14, R110

Soil type Hutton – decomposed granite

Age of vines Planted 1989, 2000 & 2009

Plant density 2500 - 3757 vines per hectare

Trellising Vertical hedge / Guyot Pruning 2-bud spurs every 12 cm.

Yield 7.5 t/ha

Irrigation Supplementary drip

Vintage Drier conditions limited berry mass and subsequently yields but also ensured outstanding quality.

Picking window 31 January 2023 - 8 February 2023

Grape sugar 22.5°B Acidity 8.0 g/l pH at harvest 3.22

WINEMAKING PRACTICES: Yeasts Lalvin M

Fermentation temp 19 °C

Method De-stalked, crushed, pressed & settled in stainless steel tanks before the clear juice was fermented in 228 L French oak barrels. Small portion whole bunch pressed.

Wood maturation 10 months in French oak barrels, 30% new, and the balance in older barrels.

WINE DETAILS Residual Sugar 1.7 g/l pH 3.32 Total acid 6.5 g/l Alcohol 13.0% by volume