Description
VINEYARD INFORMATION Whole cluster (also known as whole bunch) fermentation is used in Pinot noir winemaking in varying degrees
around the world. Before the invention of crusher-destemmers, it was the original method of making wine – whole, intact bunches were tipped into vessels, stems and all, where fermentation occurs. This has a profound effect on the aroma, texture and tannin “feel” of the wine, the greater the percentage of whole bunch, the greater the effect
on the wine. Increased uptake of phenolic compounds from the stems lends a subtlety to the wine, often
highlighted by a brighter, vibrant fruit expression.
Reviews
Greg Sherwood 95
This wine possesses a heady yet curiously nervous aroma profile of bright red fruits, with a spicy, cinnamon, earthy undertone. The palate is focussed and delightfully poised, yet these elements of delicacy are couched in a structure of surprising depth, magnitude, and length. [Greg Sherwood, 01/01/2023]
Producer Profile
INTRODUCTION
Hemel-en-Aarde is Afrikaans for “heaven and earth” and the claim is justified. Our estate sits on a particularly heavenly stretch of land beneath a lofty peak of the Babylon’s Tower mountain range. In addition to its unrelenting beauty Ataraxia is home to some of the most spectacular terroirs South Africa has to offer.
In 2004 The Skyfields Farm was visioned into the Ataraxia wine label when husband and wife Kevin and Hanli Grant and a few friends purchased this 47-hectare prime vineyard property.
More than a decade later we are associated with crafting wines of incredible finesse balance and depth; wines that proudly hold their own on the international wine stage.
CELLAR INFORMATION
As has become the norm in crafting Ataraxia Chardonnay, a minimalist, non-interventionist winemaking approach, geared to reflect sense of place and expression of terroir, was adopted. This wine is 100% barrel fermented and carefully matured in specially selected small French oak barriques sourced exclusively from Burgundian coopers. Fortnightly batonnage was employed throughout the 10-month maturation period.
VINEYARD INFORMATION
In the most accurate and faithful way possible, our unapologetically wooded white wine mirrors the terroir in which our Chardonnay vines are grown. In other words, it is an expression of the low vigour, stony, clay-rich Bokkeveld Shale derived soils and the heavily maritime-influenced climate.
TASTING NOTES
Made using uncomplicated (not simple) winemaking techniques, this is an athletic, chiseled and precise wine. It embraces the very adult tastes of salinity, brininess and minerality, all of which are the hallmarks of the great and classic white wines of the world.
