Stellenrust Chardonnay Wild Yeast Barrel Fermented 2022

The grapes are crushed and the juice allowed skin contact for up to 8 hours without any sulphur additions. The hyperoxygenated juice is then taken to barrels without proper settling and allowed to ferment with wild yeasts. Fermentation can take up to 3 months to finish and the wine is often stirred to lift the lees after fermentation has completed.

The Chardonnay spends a total of 12 months in French barrels (30% new) on its gross lees giving the yeast cells chance to undergo autolysis to release more flavour and richness into the wine. 

Chardonnay grapes are harvested at between 22 to 23° Balling.

Grapes for this wine are harvested from our highest altitude vineyards in the Bottelary Hills. Interestingly enough, it is also the only block of lime stone on any of our properties and our Grandfather decided many years ago to plant Chardonnay to this small patch of land.