Richard Kershaw Wines Clonal Selection Elgin Chardonnay 2018

The grapes come from eight to 10 small parcels of vineyards in several locations in the Elgin Valley. Elgin is the coolest wine region in South Africa and is situated on an inland, hexagonal-shaped plateau, at an altitude of 300 meters. The region is surrounded by mountains and lies just over six miles from the Atlantic Ocean, which brings occasional sea-borne mists. February is the hottest month of the year, with daytime temperatures peaking at 23C and night-time temperatures dipping to 14C. The benefit of this cooler climate is that the grape cluster stays connected to its roots for longer, so it develops complex characteristics and achieves physiological ripeness more gradually, resulting in lower sugar levels and consequently lower alcohol levels. The four Dijon clones VY, 76, 95, and 96 and the Entav clone CY548 flourish in Bokkeveld Shale and Cartref soils, which offer good drainage and produce delicate wines.