Presenting its latest offering, the newly launched De Wetshof Limestone Hill stands as a prime example of how the reputation of 2023 is surging as a standout vintage for white wines in the Cape, particularly within the realm of Chardonnay. This accolade holds true despite the challenges posed by inclement weather and heavy rainfall that cast a shadow over the 2023 harvest season in the Cape winelands.
Johann de Wet, the CEO of De Wetshof Estate located in Robertson, provides insights into the situation. The majority of the estate’s Chardonnay vineyards had already been harvested before the torrential rains descended upon the winelands at the start of March.
De Wet explains, “Fortuitously, De Wetshof’s strategic position in the Robertson Wine Valley afforded us some protection against the vagaries of the weather. Our harvest season traditionally commences a week or two before those nearer to Cape Town, allowing us to embark on our Chardonnay harvest in the second week of January. With 80% of our vineyard dedicated to Chardonnay and the diverse blocks reaching ripeness in tandem, our cherished white grape varietal was safely gathered well before the initial downpours of the harvest season arrived in early March.”
De Wet continues, highlighting that the release of De Wetshof’s Limestone Hill 2023 vintage is a testament to the quality of this year’s white wines, where mild vineyard conditions have given rise to well-structured and balanced wines.
“The cooler weather during our harvest ensured the development of resolute and invigorating acids, providing a solid foundation for the myriad exquisite Chardonnay flavors to take root. Thus, the vintage of 2023 will be remembered for its exceptional quality, even as memories of the erratic weather recede,” he affirms.
The grapes destined for the Limestone Hill Chardonnay are meticulously handpicked in the coolness of the morning, with a focus on capturing the inherent intricacies of the Chardonnay grape right from the outset, specifically for crafting this unwooded wine. Following destemming, pressing, and a night of settling, the juice is separated from the sediment and transferred into stainless steel tanks. After fermentation, the wine matures on the lees under controlled temperatures. Regular stirring of the lees ensures that the maximum flavors are extracted into the wine until it is ready for bottling.
“Much like all our Chardonnays, the Limestone Hill is an expression of vineyards situated on distinct patches of terroir that shape the individual character of each wine,” explains De Wet. “The hallmark of Robertson lies in the substantial limestone content of the soils, a factor that contributes to chemical equilibrium and longevity in the wines.”
The robust clay soils enriched with limestone enable the Limestone Hill to unveil its optimum varietal expression within an intricate tapestry of complexity. Characterized by notes of grapefruit and nuts, this unwooded wine is distinguished by nuanced elegance that concludes in a delicate ripeness.
De Wet underscores the significance of crafting an unwooded Chardonnay that goes beyond mere avoidance of oak influence. “The chemistry of the grapes and the conditions of the vineyard must be conducive to producing a Chardonnay that shines in an unwooded context,” he elaborates.
Esteemed American critic Robert Parker aptly encapsulates the wine’s essence, “The Limestone Hill Chardonnay never sees oak, and offers a remarkably pure, revitalizing medley of apple, peach, and lemon fruit, accompanied by a luxurious leesy texture, and a nutty, chalky, fruit-driven finish that lingers impressively. Understated and less tropical than some of the superior unoaked Australian Chardonnays, this wine boasts superior equilibrium, drinkability, and finesse – not to mention more refinement – than 99% of the world’s Chardonnay offerings I have encountered at its price point.”
This wine harmonizes splendidly with oysters, cream-based pasta dishes, light curries, roast pork, and veal creations, showcasing its versatile and delightful character.
