Whalehaven Winery, renowned as the third-oldest winery in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, and celebrated for its exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, has undergone a delightful transformation. The winery has unveiled a brand-new selection of wines, embracing a fresh approach focused on the use of crisp and vibrant fruits. This thematic shift also extends to their winery itself. Spearheading this exciting evolution under the guidance of the Bottega Family’s second generation, Silvana Bottega has propelled Whalehaven into a new era through a collaboration with the esteemed winemaker, Richard Kershaw. Notably, Richard Kershaw is a Master of Wine and one of the few Masters of Wine actively engaged in winemaking, with the unique distinction of producing wines in South Africa. He encapsulates his winemaking philosophy by stating, “It’s more that I try to make wines that reflect the sense of place, making them in a way that is non-interventionist; it’s to try and reflect those qualities in the glass.”
Whalehaven Winery is proud to announce the release of its new range of cool climate Chardonnays that are set to captivate wine enthusiasts around the world. These remarkable wines showcase the unique terroir and ocean-influenced climate that contribute to their exceptional quality.
There are two Chardonnay’s produced by this coastal winery that merit tasting. Leading the pack is the Whalehaven Seascape Reserve Chardonnay 2020, which has already received critical acclaim. With an impressive score of 95 Points and a Gold medal at the IWSC, this wine stood out among 570 entries from South Africa with only 18 wines in total achieving a gold award. Additionally, it earned 93 Points and a Double Gold medal at Gilbert & Gaillard, further solidifying its status as a top-tier Chardonnay. The Seascape Reserve offers an olfactory symphony of white citrus blossom, white peach, and Granny Smith apples, creating a truly captivating sensory experience.
The second Chardonnay falls part of what is termed the Terroir Series. The Whalehaven Sandstone Strata Chardonnay 2020 also impressed the judges, receiving 93 Points and a Silver medal at the IWSC, as well as 93 Points and a Double Gold medal at Gilbert & Gaillard.
Whalehaven Winery is known for its traditional approach, but this new range represents a step into the future. The winery has embraced a fresh, linear expression of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which has already garnered success with both varietals winning Double Gold at Gilbert & Gaillard.
The cool climate Chardonnays from Whalehaven are a testament to their unique origins. These wines boast crisp mineral notes that unlock the secrets of the terroir and showcase the essence of the Hemel-en-Aarde region. With a limited production of site-specific wines, Whalehaven’s cool climate Chardonnays offer a rare and sophisticated experience.
The wines’ vibrant structure, balanced by a crisp acidity, awakens the senses with a refreshing and lively quality. Unlike Chardonnays from warmer regions, these cool climate offerings possess a delicate weight that allows their true finesse to shine through. The influence of oak is restrained, serving as a subtle dance in the background, allowing the fruit and other characteristics to take center stage.
Whalehaven Winery invites wine lovers to discover the captivating world of cool climate Chardonnays through their new range.
For more information, please visit www.whalehaven.co.za.
Media Contact: Kaylee Killin | admin@whalehaven.co.za | Whalehaven Winery
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