Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Western Cape, South Africa
The ABC Club (Anything But Chardonnay) mainly came about in the 80's/90's because winemakers decided to smother their Chardonnay in oak, making it rich and buttery, but destroying the fruit character of the grape. Chardonnay is a neutral grape, that needs to be handled gently, and so unoaked versions of the grape give the wine a moment to shine.
This is a blend of Chardonnay from two locations. The smallest component from ocean-facing Helderberg vineyards, and the second from the Robertson valley. The grapes from Stellenbosch have more depth and weight, while the Robertson grapes are concentrated, grown on limestone soils and give more citrus flavours, freshness and minerality to the wine.
