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Apogée Chardonnay

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Original price was: R360.00.Current price is: R340.00.

Availability: Available on backorder Categories: , , , ,
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Description

The Apogée series from La Vierge epitomises the very best expression of terroir from our beautiful vineyards. It is a vineyard site driven wine that emphasises the subtle differences in altitude, aspect, clonal expression and soil that make our vineyards unique. Minimal wine making intervention is utilised to allow the vines to speak for themselves.

 

Varietal: Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge Chardonnay 100%

 

As the name suggests this wine is the ultimate expression of wine from La Vierge, the epitome of our efforts both in the vineyard and the winery.

The Vineyard

Soil Type Planted to Argillaceous Shale of the Bokkeveld Series   Aspect South East

Trellising System Vertical Shoot Positioning (Perold)       Age of Vines 8 years

Vines per hectare 5382 Average Yield 7 tons/ha

Production 1720 bottles

 

Climate

 

These Walker Bay vineyards of Hemel en Aarde Ridge are situated within close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The maritime climate being more“temperate” in style, where parallel mountain ranges channel the southerly sea breezes through the appellation during the summer. These winds in turn bring regular sea mists and overcast conditions to the valley and with it more even temperatures. The average temperature is 19° C and rainfall, approximately, 750mm per year.

The Harvest

All grapes were harvested by hand in cool, early morning temperatures. This specific vineyard block is composed of clone 96, which accentuates the steely, mineral characteristics of the terroir. The highest altitude Chardonnay block on the farm is used, which allow slow ripening and enhances the citrus and floral expression to come to the fore.

Technical Notes

The grapes were crushed and pressed and allowed to settle with the help of pectolytic enzymes. The clean juice was racked off after 24 hours and fermented in 500L French oak barrels (30% new). The wine was sulphured at the completion of alcoholic fermentation to inhibit MLF. This was done to keep the freshness and natural vibrant acidity in the wine. The wine was left on gross lees and intermittent batonage was performed for 6 months. The total time in barrel was 14 months. After which the wine was stabilized and clarified through filtration.

 

Analysis

Alcohol by Volume       13.65%

Total Acidity     7.4 g/L

pH        3.22

Volatile Acid     0.56 g/L

Residual Sugar  2.7 g/L

Styling

The wine shows clean lines of minerality, citrus and yellow flower notes on the nose. This is supported with the creamy almond and white chocolate aromas derived from the oak. The wine has a full, textured palate that shows the delicate power that Chardonnay possesses. It has a balanced richness that finishes in a clean, mineral undertone that lingers on the palate.