Bouchard Finlayson Missionvale Chardonnay 2018

Drink now or cellar for up to 7 years. Serve chilled.

A short distance from Africa’s southern tip is the gorgeous Hemel-en-Aarde or “Heaven and Earth” Valley which has a reputation for producing world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay thanks to the pioneering work of Peter Finlayson. Finlayson partnered with well-known Burgundian winemaker Paul Bouchard to found a new winery in the valley in 1989.

Specialised in crafting premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, the estate strives to combine the elegance and heritage of the Old World with the energy and vivacity of the New World. The result is a series of award-winning wines that enjoy a cult following in South Africa and beyond.

Their Missionvale Chardonnay is named after a hospital built on the property in the 19th century. Today the area offers ideal conditions for producing beautiful Burgundian style whites thanks to the warm summer days cooled by breezes from the nearby coast. The fruit is carefully harvested by hand and fermented in French oak barrels and terracotta amphorae. The result is a textbook Burgundian-style Chardonnay with finely-tuned minerality, bright citrus and stone fruit, and a hint of cream and toast on the long finish. A fantastic wine to enjoy alongside roasted chicken, salmon or creamy pasta dishes, although it can also be kept in the cellar for another 5-6 years.