Capensis Chardonnay Silene 2022 750ml

Started as an experiment in 2017, this is a terrific wine that far exceeds expectation of an entry-level offering. The Capensis 2022 Stellenbosch Silene Chardonnay is a medium- to full-bodied white with generous softness and volume to support aromas of orchard fruit, white flower and salty mineral. Graham Weerts refers to his winemaking philosophy as an “adapted Burgundian methodology.” For example, he does not inoculate for malolactic fermentation, but 10% to 15% goes into a secondary spontaneous fermentation. “This is a South African twist on Burgundy,” he says. All vineyard sites give lots of acidity. He also works on pressure and takes the best from whole-bunch pressing. The rest is sold off as bulk. The wine remains on the gross lees for up to 12 months, with stirring once a month. He creates a reductive environment “like a baby in the womb.” Silene goes into bottle immediately, whereas the Capensis Chardonnay spends an additional six to eight months in stainless steel tank to “scar up,” as he puts it. This is a release of 30,000 bottles.

• Country: South Africa
• Region: Coastal Region
• Appellation: Stellenbosch
• Size: 750ml
• Color: White

Varietal

Chardonnay

Of all the white wine grape varietals, surely the one that has spread the furthest and is most widely appreciated is Chardonnay. This green-skinned grape is now grown all over the Old and New Worlds, from New Zealand to the Americas, from England to Chile, and is one of the first varietals people think of when considering white wine grapes. Perhaps this is because of its huge popularity, which reached a peak in the 1990s, thanks to new technologies combining with traditional methods to bring the very best features out of the Chardonnay grape and allow its unique qualities to shine through. Most fine Chardonnay wines use a process known as malolactic fermentation, wherein the malic acids in the grape juice are converted to lactic acids, allowing a creamier, buttery nature to come forward in the wine. No grape varietal is better suited to this process than Chardonnay, which manages to balance these silky, creamy notes with fresh white fruit flavors beautifully.