Craven Chardonnay 2023

Stellenbosch, steeped in rich history and a landscape that makes it ideal for viticulture, is probably South Africa’s most celebrated wine region. The first vineyards were established by settlers in 1679, Stellenbosch has since evolved into a tourist destination for wine lovers visiting South Africa. Particularly known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chenin Blanc, the region's terroir benefits from a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters, as well as diverse soil types, including granite, alluvial, clay, and shale. The mountainous terrain, particularly the Simonsberg, Helderberg, and Stellenbosch mountains, creates various microclimates, allowing for a broad range of grape varieties. This geographic and climatic diversity enables winemakers to produce wines with notable depth, balance, and character, firmly placing Stellenbosch among the world’s most premium wine-producing regions.

This is a restrained and saline Chardonnay from Mick and Jeanine Craven opens with pear and citrus, followed by lemon zest, fennel fronds, and sea spray.