Paul Clüver Estate: SA Chardonnay producer second to none
SOUTH AFRICA has a number of fine Chardonnay cellars, and that of Paul Clüver on De Rust Estate in Grabouw counts as one of the very best. Pioneers of the Elgin wine district in the Cape South Coast, the farmers, winemakers and business folk on the team also know their stuff when it comes to Pinot Noir, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc, but their track record with Chardonnay is particularly impressive. According to the SA Wine Classification spanning the past 10 years: one of the Top 10 Chardonnays, one of the Top 100 SA wines overall and one of three Chardonnays in the Top Wine SA Hall of Fame. Their achievements with the variety in just the last couple of years include the following:
• Paul Clüver Village Chardonnay 2020: maiden vintage scored 95 points at the International Wine Challenge (UK) in 2021, with the current-release 2021 vintage scored 94 points at the 2022 Decanter World Wine Awards (UK).
• Paul Clüver Estate Chardonnay 2020: the most highly rated white wine (scored 98 points) at the 2022 Trophy Wine Show (SA).
• Paul Cluver Seven Flags Chardonnay 2020: scored 97 at the 2022 Decanter World Wine Awards, 95 points at the 2022 International Wine Challenge and judged Best in Class at the 2022 National Wine Challenge (SA). This after the 2018 vintage earned a haul of accolades in 2021 that included a trophy at the International Wine Challenge and a score of 96 at the Decanter World Wine Awards
Since the Clüvers began making wine on their estate in the late 1990s, the farm has become one of THE destinations on the Elgin wine route. In addition to the vineyards and cellar, wine tasting room and restaurant, there are apple and pear orchards, a Hereford stud and eco-tourism activities, including a forest amphitheatre where many a memorable music concert has been staged. (At the time of writing, a date had yet to be set for the amphitheatre re-opening subsequent to the lifting of COVID restrictions).
PAUL CLÜVER VILLAGE CHARDONNAY 2021
WO Elgin. Blend of grapes from various vineyards on the estate, ranging in age from four to 34 years, harvested in the early hours of the morning between 15 February and 30 March. Partially tank-fermented, partially fermented in oak vats (2500L and older small barrels). Mostly inoculated with Burgundian yeast; natural fermentation (using wild yeast) in small oak barrels. A portion of the wine remained on the lees (spent yeast) for three months, the balance for six months. Stabilised in preparation for bottling.
Alc 13.2 | RS 2.3 | TA 7.2 | pH 3.3
Winemaker Andries Burger’s Tasting Notes: A great expression of a lightly oaked Chardonnay, bursting with citrus and fresh granny smith apple notes, followed by notes of white peach, with subtle hints of oak in the background. Fresh acidity, with a lingering aftertaste.
Pairing Recommendations: Creamy seafood pasta, fresh line fish, roasted chicken.
R125pb ex-cellar.
PAUL CLÜVER ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2020
WO Elgin. Vines ranging between three and 33 years old. Grapes whole-bunch-pressed, settled naturally overnight before being transferred to French oak barrels. Natural fermentation (using wild yeast) in French oak barrels (35% new, the balance 2nd-, 3rd- and 4th-fill). Kept on the lees (spent yeast) for nine months before stabilisation and bottling.
Alc 12.8 | RS 2.0 | TA 6.9 | pH 3.2
Winemaker Andries Burger’s Tasting Notes: On the nose, great citrus character with ripe orange and winter melon notes against lightly toasted brioche. Tangerine fruit and citrus blossom fragrances, with hints of vanilla pod and a slight salinity. Fresh acidity.
Pairing Recommendations: Fish, poultry, pork and game-bird dishes. Or creamy pasta, salmon dishes, mussel soup…
R280pb ex-cellar.
PAUL CLUVER SEVEN FLAGS CHARDONNAY 2020
WO Elgin. Vineyards planted in 1987, on the estate and in the Elgin Valley. Grapes harvested on 21 February and 11 March, whole-bunch-pressed, settled, then transferred to French oak barrels (36% new, the balance 2nd- and 3rd-fill). Natural fermentation (using wild yeast). Wine kept on the lees (spent yeast) for nine months. Best barrels selected and stabilised prior to bottling.
Alc 12.8 | RS 2.5 | TA 6.7 | pH 3.3
Winemaker Andries Burger’s Tasting Notes: A light yellow-green hue, the nose a beautiful melody of fresh citrus fruits complemented by stone fruit and hints of oak. Great complexity, concentration and texture, with a lingering, layered aftertaste. Great cellaring potential.
On the back label: “When everything we believe about winemaking comes together in one wine, we fly all seven flags of our family crest on it.”
Pairing Recommendations: Fish, poultry, pork and game-bird dishes. Or creamy pasta, salmon dishes, mussel soup…
R850pb ex-cellar.
