Stellenrust Barrel Fermented Chardonnay

Winemaker Stellenrust on the winery

“We are Stellenrust, a family-owned estate in Stellenbosch, South Africa, founded in 1928. Our vineyards span a range of terroirs, including the higher-altitude Bottelary Hills. Here, the cooler climate and refreshing sea breezes are particularly beneficial for white wines. We combine generations of viticultural knowledge with a careful approach in both the vineyard and the cellar. Our aim is to balance ripe fruit, freshness and the influence of our soils, showcasing the character and refinement that South African winemaking has to offer.”

And on Stellenbosch, South Africa

“For our Chardonnay, we use grapes from the higher-altitude vineyards of the Bottelary Hills, where a distinctive limestone-rich soil contributes to the wine’s minerality. After harvesting, we allow the juice up to eight hours of skin contact before it ferments spontaneously with wild yeasts in French oak barrels. Fermentation can take up to three months. The wine then spends twelve months ageing on the lees, with regular bâtonnage (stirring of the lees) to develop additional texture and complexity. Around 20–30% of the barrels are new, depending on the vintage. Ripe citrus, peach and toasted almond combine with creamy notes, subtle oak and lively acidity.”