The Eikendal Janina Unwooded Chardonnay 2024 is a premium white wine from Stellenbosch, South Africa, known for its elegant profile and refreshing character. Here’s a detailed product description:

Tasting Notes

The 2024 vintage of the Janina Chardonnay showcases rich honey flavors complemented by notes of sweet apple, orange peel, and lemon zest. The palate is further enhanced by a floral richness and a delightful, fresh finish that lingers, making it an enjoyable experience for wine enthusiasts.

Vineyard and Terroir

This wine is crafted from grapes sourced primarily from Eikendal's vineyards, which are situated on the lower western slopes of the Helderberg. The vineyards benefit from a maritime microclimate, characterized by wet and cold winters, and cool breezes from the Atlantic Ocean during summer. The soil composition includes decomposed granite and Tafelberg sandstone, providing ideal conditions for growing high-quality Chardonnay.

Composition

Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay

Blend: 80% Eikendal grapes (clones 277, 95, and 96) and 20% grapes from the Elgin Valley (clone 277).

Alcohol Content: 13% vol

Residual Sugar: Approximately 2.8 g/L

Vinification Process

The grapes are handpicked and gently whole-bunch pressed without the addition of commercial yeast, allowing for spontaneous fermentation at temperatures between 15ºC and 18ºC. The fermentation process lasts for about 4 to 6 weeks, taking place in both 900ℓ plastic egg-shaped fermenters and stainless steel tanks. After fermentation, the wine is aged on its lees for six months to enhance its complexity before bottling.