THE QUALITY and interest value of Chardonnay that has never seen the inside of a barrel is streets ahead of what it was at the turn of the century, but still! Who would have predicted that it had risen to the level that it could triumph over wooded masterpieces on the world stage. To quote the organisers of Chardonnay du Monde, held on an annual basis in the Burgundy region of France: “Oakiness is considered a plus when it is discreet and harmonious.” Yet the winner of the 2019 edition of the event is completely unwooded: De Wetshof Bon Vallon 2018 from Robertson.

A Chardonnay specialist, De Wetshof is no stranger to the competition podium. This is often thanks to the flagships Bateleur and The Site, both with oak influencing the character to some degree. However, all five of the estate’s different expressions of the variety are in the SA Chardonnay Classification and two of them are unoaked – the other being De Wetshof Limestone Hill. The 2018 vintage of both Bon Vallon and Limestone Hill earned gold medals at the Veritas Awards, which followed the achievements of Bon Vallon 2017, judged ‘best in class’ at South Africa’s National Wine Challenge and a double gold medallist at the Michelangelo Awards.

De Wetshof Bon Vallon Chardonnay 2018

WO Robertson. Irrigated vines, 10 to 20 years old. Grapes picked in the cool hours of the morning. After fermentation in stainless-steel tanks, the wine was left on the lees (spent yeast) under controlled temperatures with weekly stirring. Unwooded.
Alc 13.1 | RS 3.2 | TA 7.1 | pH 3.2
From the De Wets’ tasting notes: A brisk and clean freshness leading to a wide spectrum of classic flavours including citrus, wild flowers and grilled nuts. A nuanced minerality on the aftertaste. Maturation potential: three to five years. Superb with oysters, cream-based pasta dishes, light curries as well as roast pork and veal dishes.
Cellar-door price: R132pb.