COLOUR
White
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2020
GRAPE
Chardonnay
PRODUCER
Paul Cluver Wines
REGION
Western Cape
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium - Full
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
High
Finish
Long
Intensity
Pronounced
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
The Paul Cluver Estate Chardonnay 2020 is a dry white wine from the Elgin region in the Western Cape, South Africa. Produced by Paul Cluver Wines, a family-owned estate that pioneered the Elgin appellation, this Chardonnay is a testament to the region's cool-climate viticulture. The grapes are sourced from estate vineyards planted on shale and sandstone soils, with vines ranging in age from 3 to 33 years. The wine is recognized for its refined expression, reflecting the unique terroir of Elgin.
ALCOHOL
13.0%
AVG. PRICE
€24
STYLE
Classic
SULPHITES
NO
When to drink
Now or Later
Ideal temperature
10-12°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
Pioneers of the Elgin region, establishing it as a premier cool-climate wine area.
Fact 02
Grapes grown on slopes with shale and sandstone soils for optimal drainage.
Fact 03
Vine ages range from 3 to 33 years, offering a spectrum of fruit and structure.
Fact 04
Awarded a Trophy for Best White Wine at The Trophy Wine Show 2022.
FOOD PAIRING
Read more
WINE MAKING PROCESS
The Paul Cluver Estate Chardonnay 2020 is produced using whole-bunch pressing to gently extract juice. Fermentation takes place spontaneously with selected Burgundian yeast strains across various vessels, including French oak barrels (with a portion of new oak), 2500-liter foudre oak vats, older small oak barrels, and stainless steel tanks. A partial malolactic fermentation is allowed to occur. The wine undergoes aging for approximately 9-10 months in French oak barrels, with about 30% new oak. It is aged on its lees for several months, with regular stirring (batonnage) employed to build complexity and texture.
