This wine represents an exciting variation on the Ataraxia Chardonnay theme. It is the first time Ataraxia has produced a fully skin fermented Chardonnay. Their Chardonnay vineyards are located on the highest elevations in the maritime influenced Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge appellation. Soils here are derived from the Bokkeveld Shale group and are low in vigour, very stony and have an unusually high proportion of clay. Picked and delivered to the cellar on 19th March 2020, the fruit was destalked and crushed. Skins, seeds and pulp were then transferred directly to two small fermenters to await the beginning of spontaneous fermentation. No additions were made to the ferment. Upon completion everything was gently pressed off to first-fill 225L French oak barrels to begin a maturation period that lasted 9 months. No malolactic fermentation occurred. A belief That a truly unique, individual and rare wine with a story to tell of soil, place and an ancient winemaking technique. Only 6 barrels made.
