Spier BIB Chardonnay-Chenin Blanc

60% Chardonnay 40% Chenin Blanc

WINEMAKER:
Anton Swarts

ORIGIN:
Western Cape, Wines are sourced from the Breede River and Coastal Region.

TERROIR / SOIL:
Combination of alluvial, well-drained and aerated soils as well as decomposed granite from mountain foothills.

VINEYARD AND CLIMATE CONDITIONS:
Trellised and bush vines aged ±18 years yielded the grapes for this wine. The vines receive supplementary drip irrigation and produced 8-12 tons per hectare.
Temperature: Winter ±10ºC °C; Summer ±26ºC
Annual rainfall: 40mm – 200mm
Proximity to ocean: ≤120km

WINEMAKING:
Grapes were harvested from selected vineyard blocks, de-stemmed, and slightly crushed before pressing. Free run juice settles overnight. The following morning, the clear settled juice, of the individual block selections (some kept separate and some blended) are racked from their lees and inoculated with selected yeast strains. Fermentation is temperature controlled. Only the best tanks are selected for the final preparation of the blend according to the style of the wine. Maturation occurred on the fine lees for another three months to give extra body and elegance. Chardonnay (15%) partially fermented with French oak staves to give added complexity to the wine.

APPEARANCE:
Greenish tint with a limey yellow hue, clean, clear and bright.

TASTING NOTE:
Fruity and good oak integration with aromas of tropical fruit and subtle vanilla hints.

SERVE WITH:
Ideal with salmon in a lemon butter sauce