COLOUR
White
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2021
GRAPE
Chardonnay
PRODUCER
Restless River Wines
REGION
Western Cape
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
High
Finish
Long
Intensity
Mid - Pronounced
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
Ava Marie Restless River Vineyards 2021 is a 100% Chardonnay from Restless River Wines, located in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Western Cape. The grapes are sourced from a single-vineyard block established in 1999, among the oldest Chardonnay vines in the area. The vineyard is situated on east and south-facing slopes with shallow topsoils of iron-rich rocks and sandy gravel, over decomposed granite and clay subsoils. Restless River Wines is a family estate run by Craig and Anne Wessels, with Craig Wessels focusing on site expression and a minimalist winemaking philosophy.
ALCOHOL
12.6%
AVG. PRICE
STYLE
Natural
SULPHITES
NO
When to drink
Now or Later
Ideal temperature
10-12°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
Vines planted in 1999 make this one of the oldest Chardonnay blocks in the region.
Fact 02
Winemaker Craig Wessels draws inspiration from the elegance of Chablis.
Fact 03
The vineyard soil varies from iron-rich rocks to sandy gravel.
Fact 04
The wine is produced with a minimalist winemaking approach.
FOOD PAIRING
Read more
WINE MAKING PROCESS
The 2021 Ava Marie Chardonnay underwent fermentation using indigenous yeasts. The wine was matured for 12 months, with 90% of the volume aged in 500-litre barrels, including 10% new oak, and 10% aged in terracotta amphorae. Following this, it was aged sur lie for a period, then spent three months in stainless steel tanks before an 18-month period of bottle aging.
