Boekenhoutskloof Cap Maritime Chardonnay

In bygone eras, spanning from the 16th to the 19th century, ships were often adorned with a decorative figurehead at the prow, typically carved from wood. This figurehead served not only an ornamental purpose but also acted as an emblematic identifier of the maritime society to which the vessel belonged. This intriguing nautical tradition inspired the audacious winemaker Marc Kent, who has cleverly incorporated it into the branding of his winery Boekenhoutskloof. He acquired this estate in 1993, situated at the farthest edge of the magnificent Franschhoek valley in South Africa, and its emblem featuring the figurehead of a slender and graceful lady pays tribute to the winery's esteemed offerings.

The Boekenhoutskloof Cap Maritime Chardonnay specifically hails from the Hemel-en-Aarde valley, one of the most thrilling regions for cultivating the chardonnay varietal in South Africa. The vines are planted in sandy and decomposed granite soils, enjoying a cool and moderate climate where mountain ranges channel oceanic breezes. There is a constant effort to preserve the land's unique biodiversity, eradicating exotic plants and weeds while implementing sustainable viticultural practices. The grapes are hand-harvested and transported to the winery in refrigerated trucks. There, the fruit is meticulously selected, whole-bunch pressed, and the resulting juice is allowed to settle over two days. Fermentation then commences, with 50% in 1,200-liter foudres and 50% in new French oak barrels. The wine is subsequently matured for 14 months in these same vessels.

Much like the lady gracing the winery's image, Boekenhoutskloof Cap Maritime Chardonnay is a white wine of slender elegance. A chardonnay that pays homage to a maritime heritage that continues to play a leading role in the wines emerging from this area of the Western Cape South Coast.