This is a rich, full bodied, barrel fermented Chardonnay. Citrus notes of orange peel and ruby grapefruit are evident both on the nose and on the palate. As a result of its alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in barrel, as well as its maturation on the lees, this wine’s finish is long, complemented by butterscotch and biscuit flavours.
Technical Tasting Sheets:
Op Die Berg Chardonnay 2023 - PDF
Op Die Berg Chardonnay 2022 - PDF
Op Die Berg Chardonnay 2021 - PDF
Op Die Berg Chardonnay 2020 - PDF
Op Die Berg Chardonnay 2019 - PDF
Op Die Berg Chardonnay 2018 - PDF
Op Die Berg Chardonnay 2017 - PDF
Op Die Berg Chardonnay 2016 - PDF
Op Die Berg Chardonnay 2015 - PDF
Oaked Chardonnay pairs best with lighter meats and buttery dishes such as crab, corn on the cob, chicken Alfredo, grilled shrimp, and pork tenderloin. Also pair it with a simple, creamy macaroni and cheese, or roast chicken.
High on the Witzenberg Mountain range in Ceres, at an altitude of 960 meters above sea level, this unique ‘appellation’ exhibits South Africa’s only truly continental climate with winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. The cooler night-time temperatures and hotter daytime temperatures during the growing season results in slower ripening and more concentrated fruit. Ceres fruit displays surprising cooler climate characteristics in comparison to other regions of the Western Cape.
Handpicked at the break of dawn, carefully selected grapes are destemmed, crushed and lightly pressed at De Grendel with a recovery of only 650 litres per ton. After two days of settling, the juice is inoculated and transferred to 225 litre French Oak barrels for fermentation of which 1/3 is new, 1/3 is second fill and 1/3 is third fill. The wine is barrel aged ‘sur lie’ for 6 months whilst undergoing ‘bâtonnage’. Bâtonnage is the method of stirring up the lees and takes place twice a week before malolactic fermentation and once a month after malolactic fermentation to enhance the mouth feel and structure ofthewine.
2022
- James Suckling 2022 91 Points
- Michelangelo Int Wine Awards 2023 Double Gold
- Platter's Guide 2023 4 ½ Stars (93 Points)
- Tim Atkin SA Report 2023 95 Points
2021
- IWSC 2022 Silver (92 Points)
- Michelangelo International Wine Awards 2022 Platinum
- Platter's Guide 2023 4 ½ Stars Stars (94 Points)
- SA Terroir Wine Awards 2022 National Winner
- Tim Atkin SA Report 2022 94 Points
2020
- Novare SA Terroir Competition 2021 National Winner
- Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show 2021: Best Chardonnay Trophy (97 Points)
- Old Mutual Trophy Wine Shoe 2021: Best White Wine Overall (97 Points)
- Platter's Guide 2022 4 ½ Stars (94 Points)
- Tim Atkin SA Report 2021 93 Points
- Winemag Chardonnay Report 2020 90 Points
- Winemag Chardonnay Report 2021 Top 10 (93 Points)
2019
- Global Chardonnay Masters 2019 Master
- Platter's Guide 2021 5 Stars
- Winemag Chardonnay Report 2019 90 Points
2018
- Decanter Wine Awards 2019 Gold
- IWSC 2019 Gold (96 Points)
- Michelangelo International Wine Awards 2019 Gold
- Tim Atkin SA Report 2019 94 Points
- Veritas Awards 2019 Double Gold
- Winemag Chardonnay Report 2019 95 Points (Top Score)
2017
- Tim Atkin SA Report 2018 94 Points
- Platter's Guide 2019 4 1/2 Stars
2016
- China Wine & Spirits Awards 2017 Gold
- Platter's Guide 2018 4 1/2 Stars
2015
- China Wine & Spirits Awards 2016 Gold
- Global Chardonnay Masters 2016 Gold
- Michelangelo International Wine Awards 2016 Gold
- Tim Atkin SA Report 2016 90 Points
2014
- The Sommeliers Selection 2015 - Elegant/Classy White
- Tim Atkin SA Report 2015 90 Points
2013
- Michelangelo International Wine Awards 2014 Gold
- Platter's Guide 2015 4 stars
- Vitis Vinifera Awards 2014 Gold