Chardonnay takes me away

Hermanus Wine Route is only 18 kilometers long but the tasting options are endless. The route is well known for its quality Pinot noirs and Chardonnays and it was Chardonnay that I was after on 23 May – International Chardonnay day.  There are a number of Chardonnays to choose from and they will please any fickle Chardonnay palate from those preferring a lightly oaked wine to the other end of toasty, oaky liquid.  I had a mission to taste every Chardonnay that is produced from grapes growing in the Hemel-en-Aarde area.  The order of tasting followed the wine route from the Hermanus side driving along the Hemel-en-Aarde Road:

Chardonnay produced in the Hemel-en-Aarde from grapes bought in from other areas include:

  • Newton Johnson Felicité Chardonnay, Un-oaked and made from Villiersdorp fruit
  • Bouchard Finlayson Crocodile’s Liar/Kaaimansgat, Villiersdorp
  • Bouchard Finlayson Limited Edition Kaaimansgat, Villiersdorp
  • Bouchard Finlayson Sans Barrique, Villiersdorp
  • Crystallum, The Agnes Chardonnay 2012, Hemel-en-Aarde & Overberg
Marittie de Villiers' painting. Cheers to Chardonnay!
Marittie de Villiers’ painting. Cheers to Chardonnay!

Chardonnay blends from Hemel-en-Aarde

  • Ashbourne 2014 Sauvignon Blanc 80% Chardonnay 20%
  • Domaine des Dieux Claudia MCC 2008 75% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot noir
  • Domaine des Dieux Rose of Sharon 2008 25% Chardonnay, 75% Pinot noir
  • Sumaridge Maritimus: Sauvignon Blanc 65%, Chardonnay 26%, Semillon 6%, Viognier 3%