Southend Chardonnay

This Chardonnay pairs well with a variety of dishes, including pork, rich fish like salmon or tuna, vegetarian meals, and poultry. Its acidity and mineral character make it a versatile companion to both creamy and herbaceous dishes. ​

Newton Johnson Vineyards is owned and managed by the Newton Johnson family. The farm is based in the upper Hemel en Aarde Valley near the seaside town of Hermanus an hour and a half’s drive out of Cape Town. This is a popular tourist destination famous for some of the most spectacular land-based whale watching in the world lush indigenous fynbos a floral kingdom home to 1500 species and exclusive to the Cape mountain walks and bike trails. Led by Dave a Cape Wine Master with a thesis on Pinot Noir and his wife Felicity (nee Newton) the Newton Johnson family moved to the Upper Hemel en Aarde Valley in 1995 built a cellar and started planting vines shortly thereafter. This enthusiasm for wine and Pinot noir in particular was passed on to and eagerly adopted by his sons Bevan and Gordon. They in turn have taken this family cellar and vineyards to new heights in exploring the nuances of this grape and their vineyards.

The grapes for this wine are sourced from six parcels on a cooler, south-facing slope in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. The vineyards are situated at altitudes of 240–260 meters, in porphyritic granite soils. The proximity to the Atlantic Ocean (4–8 km) and the cool, temperate climate, moderated by southerly oceanic winds, contribute to the wine's freshness and complexity.

The wine was matured for 10 months, with 48% aged in French oak barrels. This ageing process contributes to the wine's elegant brioche notes and depth, while maintaining its vibrant acidity and structure.

The 2024 Southend Chardonnay underwent fermentation with indigenous yeasts. A portion of the wine (12%) was aged in new French oak barrels, imparting subtle patisserie spice notes. The remaining wine was matured in older barrels and stainless steel to preserve its mineral and fruit-driven character.