Stellenbosch: Migliarina Bush Vine Chardonnay 2020
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This modern-styled Chardonnay has real depth and concentration of flavour from low-yielding bush vines (planted around 1988). Concentrated vanilla and rich orchard-fruit crumble notes aromas, a waxy lanolin edge and plenty of mineral and saline notes precede a lovely lime zing on the finish. Delicious with creamy poultry dishes, soft cheeses or spring vegetable risotto.
Boutique winemaker Carsten Migliarina's rich barrel-fermented Chardonnay comes from a tiny 1 hectare vineyard in Stellenbosch. It is reputed to be the only Chardonnay grown on ancient bush-trained vines in the appellation. Crisp crab-apple acidity balances a complex nose and palate of butterscotch, tarte au citron and confit pineapple. Coconut and passion fruit subtlety lingers on the palate.
The grapes for this unusually-trained Chardonnay come from mature low-yielding bush vines with an average age of 34 years. Barrel-fermentation using shaved oak barrels gives richness and enhances the stone and tropical fruit flavours to this wine while preserving lovely fresh acidity and giving a lengthy, concentrated finish. Malolactic fermentation is blocked to preserve freshness. Only 3238 bottles were produced.
| Style | White Wine, Sec, Full-bodied, Non Sparkling |
|---|---|
| Wine Region | South Africa |
| Grape Variety (Cépage) | Chardonnay |
| Food & Wine Matching | Cheese, Chicken and Turkey, White Fish |
| Viticulture | Non-Organic |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Cellarage | A very versatile wine that drinks well young but will age elegantly for 3 to 5+ years after vintage. |
| Vinification | Hand-harvested using small baskets, whole-bunch pressed before wild yeast fermentation in untoasted barrels. Matured on the fine lees for 9 months without malolactic fermentation before bottling unfiltered. |
| Alcohol By Volume (%) | 13 |
Migliarina Wines
Former sommelier Carsten Migliarina produced his first vintages in 2002, sourcing grapes from Franschhoek and maturing his Shiraz in a friend's garage. Earning his stripes as a contract winemaker in South Africa, Germany and Romania, his boutique range is highly sought after on export markets. His range has since expanded to encompass Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Grenache, Riesling and Shiraz, sourcing fruit from the best grapes and vineyards he can find. Production is tiny and intervention minimal, making between 200-500 cases of each wine whilst renting cellar space from other producers.
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