De Wetshof Limestone Hill Chardonnay
Displaying a straw color, the nose has tones of green apple, grapefruit, lemon zest, and ripe peach, layered with notes of wet stone, almond, and a subtle nutty edge. The palate has bright flavors of citrus and orchard fruit with lingering notes of peach skin, citrus peel, and chalky salinity. De Wetshof Estate is one of South Africa’s pioneering Chardonnay specialists and is often referred to as “The House of Chardonnay.” Founded by Danie de Wet in Robertson, the estate played a major role in establishing Chardonnay as a serious category in South Africa. Today, De Wetshof remains family-run.
Country: South Africa
Region: Western Cape
Appellation: Robertson
Grape Varietal: Chardonnay
Feature: Sustainable, Unbaked
Grape Profile: Chardonnay tends to exhibit apple, pear, and citrus flavors, while in warmer climates, they lean towards tropical fruit notes like pineapple and mango. Chardonnays can be aged in oak which can introduce flavors of vanilla, butter, and cream, and a richer, fuller body.
Region Profile: Robertson is a warm, dry growing region. What makes it distinctive is its abundance of limestone-rich soils, which are relatively rare in South Africa and particularly well suited to the grape. Warm days help grapes achieve ripeness and fruit concentration, while cooler nighttime temperatures and the region’s calcareous soils help preserve acidity and lend a characteristic mineral edge.
Pair with: Richer fish and seafood like swordfish and lobster. Poultry and pork. Soft or semi-hard cheeses like aged cheddar and gruyere. Egg-based dishes like quiches as well as lighter-fare like salads.
