Tokara Chardonnay

Tokara is a picture perfect destination which offers visitors a unique combination of award-winning wines, a range of olive oils and a five year old pot still brandy. The estate boasts a fine dining restaurant which is ranked among South Africa’s best and an informal delicatessen. The property also has fine artwork displayed throughout the property for the enjoyment of its patrons.

Situated 50km to the east of Table Mountain, the TOKARA “home farm” is rested on the Simonsberg side of the Banghoek Valley, at elevations of between 350m and 550m. Soil profiles are of weathered sandstone and decomposed granite, the combination lending structure, perfume and longevity to our wines.

The highland vineyard lies to the south of Stellenbosch in Elgin, a cool-climate area atop Sir Lowry’s Pass. Soils are predominantly Table Mountain sandstone imparting an ethereal scent to both Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc.

Vineyards

The grapes for this wine originate from Tokara’s properties in two different regions: namely Stellenbosch and Elgin, as well as from bought in fruit from two Stellenbosch vineyards. The vineyards crop at around 6 t/ha. The grapes were picked at optimum ripeness with sugars between 20 – 23 degrees brix and acidities ranging from 6 – 8g/l

Vinification

The grapes were destemmed, crushed and pressed to stainless steel tanks for overnight settling, after which the juice was racked and run to barrel with some lees added back. 100% of the wine fermented in 228ltr French oak barrels, 5% being new barrels. The wine spent an average of 8 months in barrel ageing on the gross lees with regular lees stirring. There was no malo-lactic fermentation allowed on this wine. The wine was bottled in October 2018 after stabilisation and filtration.

Tasting Notes

The wine displays a brilliant pale straw colour. Aromas of ripe quince and orange blossom spring from the glass. Lightly toasted brioche and almonds compliment these aromas. The entry on the palate is vibrant with fresh clementine, grapefruit and subtle ginger spice notes. The mid-palate has a creamy rounded texture, yet the wine finishes pleasantly dry with a refreshing aftertaste.

A perfect pairing with fish and chicken dishes or serve as an aperitif.