Spier Seaward Chardonnay

Discover the captivating elegance of Spier Seaward Chardonnay, a truly exceptional white wine crafted in the heart of South Africa's renowned Coastal Region. Available at The General Wine, this exquisite Chardonnay embodies the spirit of its maritime vineyards, offering a refreshing and sophisticated experience that is sure to delight discerning palates.

A Symphony of Aromas and Flavours

Pouring a radiant lemon yellow, the Spier Seaward Chardonnay immediately beckons with an inviting visual appeal. As you bring the glass closer, a beautiful array of aromas unfolds. Expect a vibrant bouquet of mandarin and lime zest, perfectly complemented by the soft, inviting notes of peach and delicate citrus blossom. Beneath these bright fruit aromas, a subtle undertone of raw almonds adds a layer of sophisticated complexity, hinting at the wine’s well-integrated character.

The initial impression on the palate is one of zesty vitality. Fresh citrus notes dance across the tongue, providing an invigorating burst that is both refreshing and enlivening. This lively acidity is beautifully balanced by the luscious, ripe flavours of nectarine, adding a delightful sweetness and textural richness. What truly sets this Chardonnay apart is its seamlessly integrated vanilla, a subtle whisper from its time in French oak barrels that enhances the wine without overpowering its natural fruit purity. A distinctive mineral texture underpins the entire experience, lending a refined elegance and a lingering, clean finish that speaks of its coastal origins. This harmonious interplay of fruit, oak, and minerality creates a wine of remarkable balance and depth.

The Art of Winemaking at Spier

The creation of the Spier Seaward Chardonnay is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication to quality upheld by Spier Wine Farm, one of South Africa’s oldest and most respected wineries with a heritage dating back to 1692. Under the skilled hand of winemaker Anthony Kock, this Chardonnay is born from grapes carefully hand-harvested from vineyards nestled in the Tygerberg hills and Stellenbosch. These prime vineyard sites benefit immensely from their proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, where cool, invigorating winds temper the South African sun, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly, developing optimal flavour and acidity.

Upon arrival at the cellar, the grape bunches are meticulously sorted and cooled before crushing, ensuring only the finest fruit proceeds. A brief period of skin contact, lasting four hours at approximately 10°C, extracts additional aromatics and texture. Only the free-run juice, gently drained by gravity, is used for fermentation. A thoughtful approach to fermentation sees 60% of the juice fermented in stainless-steel tanks to preserve the wine's fresh, crisp fruit characteristics, while the remaining 40% undergoes fermentation in older French oak barrels. This careful selection of vessels allows for a nuanced integration of oak influence, contributing complexity without masking the wine’s inherent fruit vibrancy. Following fermentation, the wine spends six months on its lees – the spent yeast cells – which imparts a creamy texture and further enriches the wine's mouthfeel. Finally, the oak-fermented portion is skillfully blended with the stainless-steel fermented wine prior to bottling, resulting in a perfectly balanced and cohesive Chardonnay.

Spier Wine Farm is not just dedicated to crafting exceptional wines; they are also deeply committed to sustainable farming practices and responsible tourism. Their ethos is rooted in a desire to nurture the land for future generations, making every bottle of Spier wine a conscious choice for quality and sustainability.

Serving Suggestions and Food Pairings

To fully appreciate the Spier Seaward Chardonnay, serve it chilled, ideally between 10-12°C. Its versatile character makes it an excellent accompaniment to a wide array of dishes, particularly those featuring poultry, pork, or creamy sauces.

For a delightful main course, consider pairing this Chardonnay with succulent pork chops, perhaps pan-seared and served with a delicate apple sauce, or a slow-roasted version with herbs. The wine's vibrant acidity will cut through the richness of the pork, while its fruit notes will harmonise beautifully with the accompanying flavours. A classic roast chicken is another superb match; the wine's balanced profile complements both the crispy skin and tender meat, especially if the chicken is seasoned with lemon and herbs. For a comforting vegetarian option, a creamy mushroom pasta will find its perfect partner in this Chardonnay. The wine’s subtle vanilla and mineral texture will elevate the earthy notes of the mushrooms and the creaminess of the sauce, creating a truly satisfying culinary experience.

Cheese Pairing Recommendation

To complement the Spier Seaward Chardonnay, we highly recommend pairing it with a creamy and subtly nutty cheese. A Comté cheese, aged for 6-12 months, would be an excellent choice. Its firm yet yielding texture and gentle nutty, buttery notes will resonate wonderfully with the wine's almond undertones and integrated vanilla. The bright acidity of the Chardonnay will also provide a lovely counterpoint to the richness of the cheese, cleansing the palate and inviting another sip. Alternatively, a mature Cheddar, with its slightly sharper edge and crumbly texture, could also be a delightful pairing, creating a pleasing contrast that highlights the wine's vibrant fruit.