Lismore Reserve Chardonnay, Greyton

Intense citrus aromas and classic soft fruits are layered with honeysuckle and vanilla notes, beautifully balanced with a crisp and distinct minerality and a lingering, citrus finish.

Producer Note
Samantha O'Keefe left California with dreams of starting a family and finding paradise. Tucked into the foothills of a dramatic mountain range at the bottom of Africa, Lismore Estate Vineyards was born alongside her nascent family. A passionate vision, combined with vines planted at 300 metres, which are chilled by winter snow and nourished by the African summer sun, produces classic, cool climate wines which are rich, complex and lovingly hand crafted.

Vineyard
The vineyard is planted at 300 metres above sea level, in the foothills of the Riviersonderend Mountain Range. The vines are grown in decomposed shale over clay soils. Low mean temperatures during February contribute to an extended ripening period, resulting in a harvest period which can be three to four weeks later than traditional wine growing regions in South Africa. The intense citrus notes and the lingering finish are consistent trademarks of Lismore's specific terroir. The restrained minerality of this Chardonnay is a clear indication of the cool climate in which it is grown.

Winemaking
The grapes were whole bunch pressed, slowly extracting the juice at a rate of 600 litres per tonne. The juice was cold settled for 48 hours and then racked into 500 litre Burgundian barrels for a spontaneous and natural fermentation. This was followed by 11 months of maturation in 500 litre French oak barrels, of which 40% were new.

Tasting Note
A stunning example of a restrained, cool climate Chardonnay. Intense citrus aromas and classic soft fruits are layered with honey and vanilla notes. The palate is
beautifully balanced with a refreshing, crisp acidity and a distinct minerality. Concentrated and refined, with a lingering citrus finish.

Serving Suggestion
The perfect accompaniment to salmon fishcakes or poached chicken in a creamy white wine sauce.

Grape
Chardonnay 100%