Description
Aged for 9 months in French oak barrels, 30% new, this Chardonnay presents a pale straw color. The nose is pure and elegant, with zesty citrus, orange blossom, cashew nuttiness, and a touch of lime. On the palate, it is chalky and mineral, exuding finesse and elegance. Layered with freshness and complexity, the flavors of succulent white peach, persimmon, and quince mingle with a zesty tangerine finish.
Food Pairing: Pairs well with oily, flaky fish, salmon, vegetables, poultry, and soft cheeses.
Reviews
Greg Sherwood 94
The 2020 Mira Chardonnay is an attractive, lightly oaked expression with a more citrus driven fruit profile offering complex aromatics that combine hints of fresh lemon zest and lime peel aromas on the nose with scented white citrus blossom, subtle marzipan and shavings of orange zest, all underpinned by a classic Helderberg granitic dusty minerality. Wonderfully elegant and light touch in style with layers of zesty lime confit, some green honeydew melon, salted pistachios and an enticing maritime seashell salinity that flows from the nose to the palate. A thoroughly enticing and seductive cool climate Chardonnay with a classically fine boned structure that is accompanied by an invigoratingly refreshing tangy acidity and a long, subtle creamy texture. The finish is long, incredibly precise and impeccably balanced. Simply delicious. Drink now and over the next 2 to 3+ years. – Greg Sherwood MW. [Greg Sherwood, 01/01/2023]
Producer Profile
Given owner Toby Venter’s assumed need for speed, as CEO of LSM Distributors, responsible for Porsche and Lamborghini in South Africa, as well as the owners of Kyalami race track, his purchase of Uva Mira Mountain Vineyards in 2013, up against the slopes of the Helderberg seems in direct contrast to this high octane lifestyle.
Everything in wine is time. Uva Mira is named for a famous star in the constellation of Cetus (a Greek sea monster who was offered the princess Andromeda to appease Poseidon but was slain by Perseus either by sword or using Medusa’s head which turned him to stone – the details are complicated and murky). The giant red star named ‘the wonderful’ or ‘Mira’ in Latin undergoes a 332-day cycle of fading into obscurity, becoming bright, and then fading again (over almost a year), drawing parallels between winemaking and stargazing. The patience inherent to growing grapes, understanding the terroir, blending, and maturation, the once-a-year opportunity to harvest, and the celebration once you can taste the literal fruits of your labour – explains the name Uva Mira, Latin meaning The Wonderful Grape.
