Warwick White Lady Chardonnay 2020

Warwick The White Lady Chardonnay 2020

Awards/Evaluation

2019VT

Platter Wine Guide 2021: 97 points
Wine Spectator 2021: 90 points
Robert Parker 2021: 90 points

Received Platter 5 stars for 6 consecutive years

Product Features

top range. Although it was released in early 2011 and is still a shallow item in history, it has already been selected twice as the best white wine of the year by John Platter (South African wine evaluation book) in the last 10 years. One of Warwick's most highly rated wines. Until now, the image of Warwick = red wine was strong, but the success of this Chardonnay proved the diverse and wonderful terroir of Warwick.

Maker comment

Aromas of lime, citrus, white peach, roasted almonds, baked apple and vanilla. Fresh and soft acidity, smooth and slightly rich richness. Plump body. Fresh acidity, rich fruit, and gentle barrel flavor are well-balanced. The richness of the flavor continues until the end, and the finish also has a touch of minerality. It is finished in a wine that is easy to understand even if you drink it. Drink now or age for 5-10 years. You can enjoy various flavors depending on the stage of drinking.

food pairing

Uncured ham, oysters, abalone, shrimp, white fish grilled or sautéed in butter, marinated seafood, sausages, charcuterie, pâté, tempura + salt, fried chicken + lemon, cream pasta, gratin and other rich flavors such as cream/cheese/butter Cooking with sauce, 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

13.50%

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: Cork ●Cultivation: Soil is weathered granite. Harvested in the early morning cool hours to preserve the freshness and aroma of the grapes. Uses grapes from three vineyards in Stellenbosch. Two from the Helderberg region with fresher, more acidic grapes and the other from our own vineyards on the warm west facing slopes. The grapes here give the wine thickness and structure. Each vineyard was harvested at a different stage of growth to give the wine complexity.
●Manufacturing: The whole bunch is pressed. When the juice settles and becomes clean, transfer to 228L French oak for fermentation. 30% new barrels, 30% 2nd and 3rd year barrels, the rest older neutral barrels. Aged for 9 months with the lees in it (sur-ly manufacturing method). During that time, the barrels are rolled once a month to even out the contents. Finally, the selected barrels are blended, lightly filtered and bottled.
Aging potential: Vintage +5-10 years

#South African wine