Enolike - Chardonnay Beneath the Clouds - Oak Valley

Chardonnay Beneath the Clouds – Oak Valley – 2022

Name: Chardonnay Beneath the Clouds - Oak Valley - 2022
SKU: 13bacba27a0b-1-1-1-3-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-2-1-1-1-1-1-1-2-1-1-1-2-1-1-1-1-1-2-1-1-1-2-2-1-1-1-1
Price: 22.50 EUR
Availability: InStock

Winery: Oak Valley

22,50 €

SKU: 13bacba27a0b-1-1-1-3-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-2-1-1-1-1-1-1-2-1-1-1-2-1-1-1-1-1-2-1-1-1-2-2-1-1-1-1 Categories: Oak Valley, Sauvignon Tag: Harmonious, Fresh

The wine Chardonnay Beneath the Clouds from the Oak Valley winery

The Chardonnay Beneath the Clouds from Oak Valley Winery embodies the essence of the Elgin region, known for its cool climate and ideal conditions for viticulture. This Chardonnay is distinguished by its freshness, complexity, and ability to express intense fruity aromas, thanks to the beneficial effect of the Cape Doctor, the wind that brings cool air and clouds, positively influencing grape ripening.

The Winemaking

The winemaking process for Beneath the Clouds is meticulous, beginning with the harvesting of grapes when temperatures are cool. The grapes are gently whole-bunch pressed, and the must is subjected to gravity decantation. Fermentation occurs in old French oak barrels for 75%, while the remaining 25% of the wine ferments in steel tanks to preserve freshness and aromas. The wine matures for 9 months, with 75% in third-fill barrels and 25% in steel; this combination creates a perfect balance between wood tones and citrus freshness.

Tasting the wine

On the nose, this Chardonnay presents aromas of pear, green apple, and unripe pineapple, while on the palate it reveals a vibrant and fresh texture, with abundant flavors of mandarin, orange, and yellow peach. The finish is persistent and youthful, offering a rich and satisfying tasting experience.

Food Pairings

Chardonnay pairs beautifully with seafood dishes, such as fish tempura, seafood risotto, and fish baked in parchment. It also excels with pasta in fish sauce, soft cheeses, lamb, and game birds, making it a versatile companion for various gastronomic occasions.

THE AWARDS

It has received prestigious accolades, including 4 ½ stars in the Platter’s Wine Guide 2025 and 91 points in the Tim Atkin Annual South African Report 2024, confirming its excellence in the South African wine landscape. This wine tells the story of its land and climate, offering a unique experience in the glass.

THE WINERY

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.

Denomination	Breede River Valley
Brand	Oak Valley
Grape Variety	Chardonnay
Aging	75% in third-fill barrels, 25% in steel.
Wine Year	2022
Aging Potential	Several years
Alcoholic content	14 % vol.
Service Temperature	10°-12° C/ 50°-54° F
Bottle size	75 cl
Food pairing	fish, shellfish, vegetable risotto, vegetable frittata, white meat

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Chardonnay Beneath the Clouds – Oak Valley – 2022