Survivor Terroir Chardonnay 2022

Description

The Survivor  Chardonnay – Crafted with Care from Vineyard to Barrel

The Survivor Chardonnay grapes are hand-picked early in the cool morning to keep freshness and acidity. After a gentle press and cold settling, the juice moves into French oak barrels of 228 and 300 litres for natural fermentation. Winemakers use 40% new, 30% second-fill, and 30% third-fill barrels to develop complex flavors. About 20% of the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation, which adds softness and depth.

Following fermentation, the wine stays on its lees for around 10 months. This aging adds texture and richness. Winemakers carefully monitor batches and barrel types separately. Then, they select the best for the final blend to ensure balance and finesse.

The grapes come from four vineyard blocks in Elgin. Each block has different clones planted on Bokkeveld shale soils, about 300 metres above sea level. The vineyards sit on easterly and south-easterly slopes. They also benefit from cool sea breezes from the Cape South Coast, which slow ripening. This helps preserve natural acidity and enhances terroir expression.

Because the soil retains water well, the vineyards are dryland farmed. Furthermore, the combination of careful vineyard management and precise winemaking results in a Chardonnay that shows Elgin’s unique character. It balances freshness, texture, and elegance beautifully.