Chardonnay

Enjoy on its own or with fish, white meats and salads.

Established by the French Huguenots in 1693 on the slopes of the Simonsberg Mountains between Paarl and Franschhoek, Plaisir Wine Estate is a rare gem. This 974-hectare estate in Simonsberg-Paarl has earned international acclaim for its white and red wines. About 230 hectares are planted with a variety of noble grape cultivars such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. Winemaker Fred Fismer attributes producing award-winning wines to being able to work with great fruit coming from a very unique terrain and the invaluable input from his viticulture team.

Southeastern slopes of the Simonsberg mid slopes, approximately 300 to 400m above sea level, with vines averaging 10 years of age pay homage to Plaisir’s Chardonnay grapes. Harvested by hand in the early mornings ensure grape integrity and minimal intervention at crushing and destemming. Our Chardonnay blocks all consist of well drained, weathered granite and dry land soils which provide concentrated wines that show true terroir.

The grapes were harvested by hand at 23.5° to 24.5° Balling. The grapes were divided into four different parts and each crushed, clarified and fermented separately in 300- litre French oak barrels. A combination of first-fill (40%), second-fill (30%) and third & fourth fill (30%) barrels were used and the wine remained on the lees for 11 months. The barrels were rolled or stirred regularly to suspend the lees in order to gain complexity, better integrated oak flavours and to add to the mouth-feel of the wine. Partial malolactic fermentation contributed to the wine’s complexity, softened the acidity and contributed to the sweet, rich and full finish.