Chardonnay Beneath the Clouds – Oak Valley – 2022

Oak Valley Estate, founded in 1898 by Sir Antonie Viljoen, is a historic estate in South Africa. It is located in the picturesque Elgin Valley. Sir Antonie, a graduate in medicine from the University of Edinburgh, distinguished himself in his medical profession. Additionally, he contributed politically as a senator in the Cape Parliament. He was knighted by King George in 1916, in recognition of his efforts in promoting reconciliation between Boers and Britons after the war.

At the same time, Sir Antonie dedicated himself to agriculture. He founded the first commercial apple orchards in the Elgin Valley. This venture laid the foundation for the economic prosperity of the region. Today, Oak Valley is synonymous with excellence in cool-climate wine production. This is made possible by a unique and favorable natural environment.

The estate extends over an elevated plateau, surrounded by mountains. These protect the vineyards and create an ideal microclimate. The vineyards, situated at an altitude between 300 and 500 meters, are exposed to refreshing breezes. These breezes moderate summer temperatures, favoring intense fruity aromas. Furthermore, they maintain a high natural acidity in the grapes.

The estate’s soils derive from ancient Bokkeveld shales. They provide a perfect balance for vine growth, combining gravelly top layers with a clay subsoil that regulates moisture. This ideal environment allows for the production of wines with refined tannins. The structure of the wines is well-balanced, making Oak Valley a benchmark in the South African wine landscape.