Crystallum The Agnes Chardonnay 2020
2020
£26.50
Availability: 1 in stock
A complex, balanced vintage that reflects the distinctness of its five fruit. White peach, litchi and green apple on the nose with lime zest, butterscotch and a gunflint and smoke on the palate. Restrained oaking and crisp acidity providing leanness and edge to support the primary fruit.
Medium Bodied
Medium Dry
South Africa
WINE PRODUCER
Crystallum is located in the Walker Bay region, long established as the premium growing region for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in South Africa. Brothers Andrew and Peter-Allan are the third generation of Finlayson winemakers and sons of the man who pioneered Pinot Noir winemaking in the Hemel-en-Aarde region.
The 2008 vintage saw the introduction of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and Crystallum now produces these Burgundian varieties exclusively, making up its collection with multi-vineyard blends and single-vineyard wines.
“We strive to find a balance between using old-world methods and traditions while keeping in tune with the vineyards we source our fruit from. This philosophy is followed through in the cellar, where we nurture what comes off the vines rather than manipulating the fruit to fit a predetermined outcome.” Peter-Allan Finlayson, Winemaker.
For more information on Crystallum and their wines check out their website.
Walker Bay, located on the southern coast of the Western Cape, is one of the most picturesque wine growing regions anywhere in the world. The region is most famous for its premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, along with a very old-world style of Sauvignon Blanc competing with the best of the Loire Valley.
The proximity to the ocean means that the vineyards are subject to heavy maritime influence - the long and sunny summers are cooled by fresh ocean breezes. It is a prolonged growing season, allowing for full ripeness as well as freshness of acidity - the hallmarks of great wine.
The region’s most notable vineyards are located in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, running east-west from the coast. Soils in the region are largely local shale and sandstone, with clay subsoils allowing for crucial water retention.
The main town in the region, Hermanus, is famous for its whale watching and has helped turn Walker Bay into a major tourism area, to the benefit of its many wineries.
