Domaine des Dieux, Chardonnay, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, 2019

South Africa, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. 100% Chardonnay.

Established in 2002 the wines from this estate are now made by John Seccombe of Thorne & Daughters Winery. Hemel-en-Aarde now has more than 20 wineries, with no large scale producers and production is on average small and very high-end. With its close proximity to the cooling influence of the South Atlantic Ocean, and a more southerly location than the traditional South African wine regions, this is one of the coolest, most maritime, wine producing areas in South Africa.

2019 was a tricky vintage that started with a mild winter and an abundance of rain, that helped fill the earth with much needed water after a few years of drought conditions. Seesaw of cold and warm weather during the spring produced a degree of problems amongst the vines. Summer again was variable and although the harvest started well, there was rainfall that impacted the final results. However, there are a number of very good wines made.

For those who like their Chardonnays with a good level of acidity this wine certainly hits the mark. Akin to an entry level Chablis, but with more pronounced fruit on the palate, this would work to perfection with smoked salmon as the lime and lemon flavours on the palate are a natural foil to the rich, oily structure of smoked fish. Razor clams with wild boar bacon and freshly gathered garlic from local hedgerows would work well.

£16.96 - Stone, Vine and Sun

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