The Fledge & Company U-Velaphi Elgin Chardonnay 2020 per Case

Accolades: 

- 91 pts Tim Atkin MW SA Report 2020

- 4 Stars Platter’s 2021

“U-Velaphi?” – a conversational isiXhosa phrase to ascertain from whence one comes, where one was borne, your tribe and thus determining your character. U-Velaphi? Chardonnay is an ode to the African hands, soils & vintage which created this wine & represent its truly unique origin

This vintage combines equal parts from two climats in Elgin planted to Clone CY95: one along the Applewaite lake with the vines rooted in Table Mountain sandstone over white clay, the other 15km away on a terraced South facing site rammed into Bokkeveld shale with yellow clay, quartz & flecks of ironstone. Elgin’s macro climate is cool with the climats we source fruit from decidedly ultra cool. Barrel Fermented & Matured.

What can you expect?

Initially shy, but with time in glass a mélange of green ‘n yellow citrus, hay ‘n white blossoms, subtle orange ‘n lime, honey toasted almond flakes and flecks of baking spice with savoury undertones, palate whetting acidity & a chalky ‘n white spice twang on the lengthy lithe finish.

Food pairing?

An ideal foil to fresh seafoods, a simple roast fowl with garden greens or an accompaniment to fine fromage.

Serving suggestion:

Best decanted & served ever so slightly chilled. Cellaring up to 8 years is advised, as this wine combines the citrus linearity from sandstone soils with the buxom savouriness of the Bokkeveld shale soils, and a wine which will flesh out in years to come.

1500 bottles