Creation Wines, Cape South Coast, Chardonnay

A chic, cool-climate Chardonnay, with glorious layers of sun kissed pear and peach enhanced by fresh minerality and hints of spice. Full of finesse and elegance.

Producer Note

It was in 2002, that Swiss-born winemaker Jean-Claude Martin and his South African wife, Carolyn discovered their little piece of paradise on the cool-climate, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge of South Africa’s acclaimed Walker Bay. Here, in one of the most biodiverse regions on earth, virus-free vines climb the steep foothills of Babylonstoren Mountain, flourishing in ancient quartzite and clay-rich soils, cooled by breezes from the nearby Atlantic Ocean. Nature is the very inspiration and innovation that is Creation. Their winemaking philosophy of 'expressing the beauty of nature' embraces sustainability to produce a distinctive portfolio of terroir-reflective and site-specific fine wines, notably from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. As WWF Champions and Carbon Heroes, it is their intention to secure their natural heritage for future generations. Their deep-rooted sense of social responsibility has seen talented young people from surrounding communities become highly skilled team members. Their wines receive world-wide acclaim, and Creation was named No 1 in Africa and No 4 globally at the 2023 World's Best Vineyards Awards.

Vineyard

The Chardonnay blocks are planted at 270m above sea level. The influence of the Atlantic Ocean's Benguela current brings cooling south-easterly breezes to the area, as do clouds hemmed in by the surrounding mountains, trapping cool air and moisture in the narrow Hemel-en-Aarde. The soils consist of clay loam derived from ancient 450 million-year-old decomposed Bokkeveld shale. The 7-wire Perold trellis system is used to train the vines as it is the most suited to the terroir. The farming methods aim to work hand-in-hand with nature to ensure healthy soils. Organic fertilisers are used, cover crops are planted for weed control, putting back minerals and for better water retention in soil, as there is less influence from the sun. Mechanical weed control is used instead of herbicides and the grapes are manually harvested during the cool of the morning

Winemaking

The Chardonnay grapes were barrel-fermented in 10% new oak and 90% second and third-fill French oak barrels. The wine spent a further 10 months on the fine lees in French oak while it underwent malolactic conversion.

Tasting Note

A chic, cool-climate Chardonnay, with glorious layers of sun kissed pear and peach enhanced by fresh minerality and hints of spice. Full of finesse and elegance.

Grape

Chardonnay 100%