Chardonnay Sur Lie Stellenbosch

Citrus notes in this Chardonnay from the Stellenbosch region. This wine is also suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

The grapes are pressed in whole bunches and then fermented in 225- and 500-litre oak barrels, 15% of which are new. The wine is then aged “sur lie” (sur lie is the name of an ancient method of ageing wine in the presence of the lees that form during fermentation) for nine months. Two variations of sur lie are used. The simpler method is called élevage, in which the wine is left to rest on the yeast lees. In the second method, called bâtonnage, the wine is regularly stirred with the lees. Ageing on the lees gives the wine aromatic complexity and fullness. The sur lie method also enhances the perception of sweetness in the wine. It provides more nutrients for malolactic bacteria, which is important in the production of red wines.
This gives the wine greater complexity and a creamier texture.

Dry Chardonnay pairs beautifully with poultry, seafood, and pasta in cream sauce. It also complements buttery or mildly spiced dishes, such as risotto or grilled vegetables. Avoid very spicy foods and highly acidic dishes, which would disrupt its harmony.

The Delheim family estate is located in the Stellenbosch region,
founded by the Sperling family. It became one
of South Africa’s pioneering wine farms.
Its wines have won numerous international awards.