IJSLAND
Chardonnay
The name was inspired by our vineyard team. When we prepare to go and work on the Southern slope Chardonnay block, they always say “remember a jacket, we are going to Iceland” even in the middle of summer because the afternoon wind is so bitterly cold. The name stuck and the block became known as Ijsland.
For the IJSLAND Chardonnay I used two blocks, planted in mirror image of each other - the one block located on the Southern Slope and the other, on the Northern side of the same hill.
It is Clone 55 Chardonnay and was planted in 2002. I vinified these two blocks separately to see what the potential could be; the juice from the southern slope showed intense lime, white fruit nose with a lot of flint at the back of the pallet, whilst the Northern Slope delivered a more fruit forward and much fuller wine with an exciting popcorn back note.
VINEYARDS
The IJSLAND CHARDONNAY gets its name from the windswept hill where the grapes are planted.
The twin vineyards, located on the slopes of the Stormsvlei Mountains, were planted at an elevation of ±130m above sea level, in 2003 and 2004 respectively. Here, South-Easterly oceanic summer winds offer respite during the hot ripening months.
The vineyards, one facing South-East, and the other North-East, but both with North-South row directions, are planted in soils comprising decomposed shale and sandstone with a prominent quartz component.
Each block contributes a unique character and together, a vivacious harmony is captured in the bottle.
WINEMAKING
Grapes were hand harvested and immediately pressed on two separate dates. Using 225 litre French-Oak barrels, ranging between 4th and 6th fill, the juice was divided up into four barrels. Fermentation, over two separate factions, were done through yeast inoculation on half od the barrels and wild yeast fermentation on the remaining half.
Cold-fermentation at around 16ºC, for about 10 days, were followed by maturation in the same barrels for 12 months. During the first 6 months of maturation, battonage was done once a week.
TASTING
Appearance – A pale golden colour with a clear, bright edge.
Nose – Vibrant citrus characteristics, combined with hints of rich yellow fruit, are balanced by a lively acidity that tempts interest.
Palate – A rich entry that shows rich pineapple, apricot and peach flavours, resulting in a generous mid-palate weight. The richer notes are elegantly lifted by a balanced acidity on the side-palate, emphasised through lighter aromatic notes of orange blossom and lemon rind.
PAIRING
The elegant wood maturation of this Chardonnay lends the wine to enjoyment with various dishes. Served between 7ºC to 12ºC, fresher aspects will marry seamlessly with white meat and fish dishes. Served warmer, between 13ºC and 16ºC, richer notes of the French-Oak become more pronounced, perfect for heartier dishes and red meat.
DETAILS
100% Chardonnay | Mid-full | 14 ton / ha | 15.02.2023 | 6 X 225L |
1956 Bottles | 7ºC - 12ºC | 10 - 15 Years | Burgundy White | Not Advised |
ANALYSIS
14.04% VOL | 3.4 g/l | 7.5 g/l | 0.53 g/l | 3.16 |
TASTING NOTES
Ijsland 2023 Tasting Note
Ijsland 2022 Tasting Note
Ijsland 2021 Tasting Note
