Fairview Chardonnay

VINTAGE: 1996

ORIGIN: Paarl

CLIMATE: Mediterranean - dry warm summers and cold wet winters with annual rainfall of about 700 mm.

SOIL: All Fairview Chardonnay is planted on the mountain slope on rich decomposed granite soil.

DESCRIPTION: Fairview creates a harmonious Chardonnay, with fruit, alcohol and acids all in balance. The wine has a concentrated lime and orange blossom nose, complimented by toasty coconut butter. The finish is full and the acid soft. Drink now or up to two years.

YIELD: 8 - 10 ton/ha

TRELLISING: Four wire split cordon

VINIFICATION: Grapes are harvested at 22-23"B. Whole cluster pressed and undergoes barrel fermentation at a relatively low temperature. We use 50% new American oak and 50% new French oak. After fermentation the wine is left sur lie and the lees is stirred every other week. Barrel maturation lasts for approximately 5 - 6 months.

CHEMICAL ANALYSIS:

Alcohol: 12.27% / Vol

pH: 3.5

Total acidity: 4.6 g/l

Sugar: 3.3 g/l