Stellenbosch Chardonnay 2019

Rustenberg, fact sheet (rustenberg.co.za – linket fra rustenberg.co.za, hentet 2026-10-18): 2019 Rustenberg Stellenbosch Chardonnay – område: Stellenbosch; 100% Chardonnay; alkohol 13%; fadlagring 10 måneder, 25% nye fade. Producentens noter (engelsk): Introduction: Rustenberg is a well-known producer of high quality Chardonnays and the Stellenbosch Chardonnay embodies our house style. Careful tending and selection in the vineyard followed by traditional wild barrel fermentation and maturation produces a classic Chardonnay balancing the expression of fruit, freshness, full malolactic fermentation and the influence of oak. Vintage: The 2019 vintage was a challenging one for the Rustenberg team. While the winter of 2018 was a welcome break from the previous four winters of drought, most vineyards had not fully recovered and produced below average yields. A warm snap in June and a wet Spring, coupled with a wetter than average Summer harvesting season made 2019 a challenge, with some late harvest thinning or multiple harvests of the same vineyard required to achieve uniformity. Early and mid-season ripening varieties performed well, all achieving flavour ripeness at lower alcohol levels, while late ripening varieties required patience and extended time on the vines, again achieving lower alcohols overall, but creating ripe, structured wines. Vineyards/winemaking: Extraction Method Whole Bunch Pressed Fermentation Vessel 300 Litre Oak Barrels Yeast Wild (Uninoculated) Lees Aging 10 Months Oak Aging 100% aged for 10 months Malolactic Fermentation Yes, 100% Age and Type of Oak 25% New French oak (Remainder 2nd, 3rd and 4th fill oak) Fining Agents Used Isinglass & Bentonite