La Motte’s trusted pair of Syrah and Chardonnay are made exclusively from Franschhoek grapes, and you can taste it. “La Motte’s terroir contributes a beautiful creaminess and drinkability – even at a young age”, says La Motte Cellarmaster Edmund Terblanche.
The recently released 2023 La Motte Chardonnay combines this smooth character with refreshing citrus fruit – typical for white wine varieties grown on the estate. The Chardonnay vineyard on La Motte was planted in 1997 – 200 metres above sea-level, against a southern and south-western slope, in Clovelly soils.
The wine’s nectarine and citrus fruit flavours are complemented by hints of cashew nut and freshly baked bread. Barrel-fermentation of 90% of the juice is well measured (only 20% new French oak), contributing to a polished, medium-full wine with exceptional freshness and a lively length.
“I believe Franschhoek Chardonnay has that special X-factor”, says Edmund. “The recognisable lime, citrus and cashew nut on the nose, a creamy texture with minerality on the palate with a lingering follow-through. And as a tribute to the French Huguenot heritage of the area, Franschhoek Chardonnay often offers that oatmeal character some of the best French examples are known for.”
The 2020 La Motte Syrah is also a true expression of its Franschhoek terroir, with micro-climates of the mountain slopes and valley floors adding complexity to the wine’s elegant character. Edmund explains: “Syrah from Franschhoek contains a natural fruitiness that includes red berries and mulberry. The light soils complement the more elegant style that we enjoy making and we add 10% of Durif to contribute to the wine’s colour and texture.”
The 2020 La Motte Syrah has all this fruitiness and elegance as well as some black pepper spice contributed by some of the vineyard blocks well-exposed to shade. Still delayed by Covid restrictions on wine sales, rather than the regular 14 months, the 2020 vintage spent 24 months in 100% new, 300-litre French oak barrels. The new oak and extended barrel maturation resulted in intense flavours, but typically La Motte, they are well integrated with bright red fruit and a creamy texture to the finish.
The Syrah vineyards on La Motte are between 10 and 30 years old, situated between 200 and 300 metres above sea-level and spread over different blocks with varying soil profiles – sandstone and granite origin, varying from a heavier texture along the slopes to sandy and well-drained in the valley.
Both wines are extremely versatile when it comes to the dinner table – another characteristic they share with the Franschhoek Valley, renowned for its exceptional culinary heritage.
The 2023 La Motte Chardonnay and the 2020 La Motte Syrah are available online or at the cellar door for R170 and R200 per bottle respectively. During September ’24, purchases of any 6 bottles of the 2020 La Motte Syrah and 2023 La Motte Chardonnay, qualify for 10% off. Offer available from the La Motte Tasting Room or la-motte.com
• Article sponsored by La Motte
