Ataraxia Chardonnay

Vintage review

Fortnightly batonnage was employed throughout the 10-month maturation period. The result is a Chardonnay that is New World in provenance but Old World in stylistic leaning. A chiselled, focussed wine that effortlessly manages to be both subtle and intense. The palate is penetrating and profound yet graceful and poised. A forceful mineral acidity is beautifully balanced by a subtle yet compelling intensity of fruit. Classic length, creaminess and intriguing complexity define this stylish, world-class Chardonnay.

Winemaker’s Notes

This hand-crafted wine is the product of our truly unique, extreme and radical vineyard sites situated exclusively in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge wine ward, close to the coastal village of Hermanus. Soils from these sites are derived from the Bokkeveld shale group, which are characteristically low-vigour, clay-rich and stony. Because of the cool maritime climate that exists here, the grapes have a long hang time which affords them the opportunity to fully complete their ripening journey. Picked early in the mornings during the last week of February and the first week of March 2017, the grapes were transported to the cellar where uncomplicated yet sensitive winemaking ensured
that the wine reflects this exciting terroir in an accurate, authentic and effortless way.

“Chardonnay is a grape variety that I have been romanced by for more than 14 years,” says winemaker Kevin Grant. “…And the love affair deepens with each passing vintage! To my mind Chardonnay is the complete white grape variety. Although it demands respect, attention to detail, a comprehensive understanding of the terroir where the grapes grow and an intuitive flair, the wine gives of itself so completely when you get everything right that it’s hard not to become totally awed by it. It makes the consummate white wine. Life without Chardonnay is like not being able to breathe! The style Ataraxia pursues has as its foundation the expression of place in a wine of profound balance, elegance, finesse and texture – all of which are hallmarks of the great and classic wines of the World.”

Food Pairing

Pair Chardonnays in the leaner Burgundian style with roasted chicken or seafood; the more voluptuous New World Chardonnays pair well with pasta dishes made with cream or cheese, with crayfish or other rich seafood and with Asian dishes that include coconut milk.

Chardonnay also works well with spicy foods like curries. The wood can carry the spice.