Lismore Chardonnay 2020

Drink now or cellar for up to 6 years. Serve chilled.

The Lismore estate has blossomed into one of South Africa’s leading cool climate wineries thanks to the vision of California winemaker Samantha O’Keefe who fell in love with the 300-hectare property after moving to the country in 2000. Today Lismore is especially well known for its excellent white wines like this sublime Chardonnay which thrive in the foothills of the Riviersonderend Mountain Range.

Made in a style inspired by the crisp, refreshing Chablis wines of northern Burgundy, this bottling is made from mature vines planted at 300 metres of altitude on decomposed shale and clay soils. Conditions here are ideal for making light and fresh white wines thanks to the cooler climate, with the fruit typically harvested 3-4 weeks after most other South African wine regions.

Once in the winery the fruit is slowly pressed in whole bunches and transferred to a mixture of 225, 300 and 500 litre neutral Burgundian barrels for fermentation and 11 months of maturation. This helps to emphasise the natural freshness and fruit flavours from the Chardonnay rather than adding lots of rich buttery notes. The nose is dominated by bright citrus and hints of white blossom while the first sip reveals a light body, mouthwatering freshness and a pure, clean finish that will pair well with seafood and grilled fish dishes.