Warwick First Lady Chardonnay 2020

Warwick The First Lady Chardonnay 2020

Awards/Evaluation

2020 VT:
Wine Spectator 2021: 87 points
Robert Parker 2021: 87 points

Product Features

casual range. The 'First Lady' range is named in honor of Warwick's founder, Norma Ratcliffe, one of South Africa's first female winemakers. The idea is that the person who purchases this wine wants to gift it to their first lady, or to drink it with that special woman. It is made to be liked even by those who do not like Chardonnay very much.

Maker comment

Aromas of apple, pear, lime and pineapple. Fresh and gentle acid, refreshing and smooth texture is comfortable. The part derived from the barrel is slightly creamy and mixed with fresh fruit flavor for a well-balanced blend. Refreshing and lively fruity feeling continues until the finish. Fresh, fruity and elegant. It is a Chardonnay that can be enjoyed by people who don't like Chardonnay or who don't like the flavor of barrels. This wine is best enjoyed in its youthful state rather than aged.

food pairing

Uncured ham, raw oysters, grilled white fish, marinated seafood, carpaccio, charcuterie such as sausage, pate, tempura + salt, fried chicken + lemon, oil pasta, etc.

Country of origin/production area

south africa stellenbosch

vintage

2020

*Depending on stock availability, the vintage of the wine to be shipped may differ from the description. If you are interested in vintage, please contact us before ordering.

type

dry white

Main varieties

Chardonnay

Alcohol degree

13.5%

capacity

750ml

Producer information

Warwick is one of South Africa's leading boutique wineries in the Stellenbosch region. Dating back to 1771, the farm has a long history.
In 1964, former owners Stan and Norma Ratcliffe purchased Warwick, a former fruit farm. Viticulture started in 1981 with a focus on classic Bordeaux varieties (Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon).
Norma Ratcliffe's dedication to winemaking made her one of the first female Cape winemakers. Warwick's "First Lady" series is a tribute to her achievements.
The first release on the Warwick label was in 1984. Since then, it has won many awards both at home and abroad, and has grown into one of South Africa's leading brands and established its position.
The winery is located at an altitude of 240-360m in the hills of the Simmonsberg Mountains, called the Red Wine Zone of Stellenbosch. This high position allows cool southeasterly winds to blow the vineyards in spring and summer.
Warwick has a variety of slopes and different clay-rich soil types that produce unique terroirs and complex, characterful wines. The main soil types are granitic oak leaf and tukul. The vineyard has cool east facing, south east facing, south facing and slightly warmer west facing slopes. One of the top Cabernet Francs representing South Africa is produced here in Warwick, and its fields are on the south and southwest slopes.
One of the things we take care in growing is that irrigation is kept to a minimum to express the unique terroir of this farm.
Over the last ten years, we have also recognized the importance of biodiversity and strived to maintain a balance between nature and winemaking.
Our soils have a high clay content so the need for irrigation is very low and some fields require no irrigation at all.
Cover crops, such as legumes and radishes, planted in the winter months improve soil health, organic matter and microbial activity, and reduce the need for herbicides. As a result, many earthworms live in the soil.
And when it comes to pest control, we rely on natural predators. Everything is cultivated and managed with respect for biodiversity. As a result, the problem of snails, weevils and other harmful insects is cleared.
Warwick's philosophy is to never compromise on quality. We aim to perform at the highest level in all that we do. And the wine we aim for is elegance. It is a slightly modest classic style to express it.

overview

●Cap: Screw cap ●Cultivation: Harvested in the cool of the early morning to preserve the freshness and aroma of the grapes ●Manufacturing: After destemming and crushing, pressing without skin contact. Most of it is fermented in stainless steel tucks, and only 8% of it is fermented and aged in oak barrels to give complexity and depth to the taste. Blended and bottled after about 100 days of aging with the sediment still in it (Sur Lee manufacturing method).
Aging potential: Vintage +3-4 years

#South African wine