Francis Wines Chardonnay 2023

Francis Wines Chardonnay 2023 is a refined and beautifully structured South African Chardonnay from the acclaimed Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Crafted with precision and minimal intervention, this limited-production wine combines mineral freshness, layered citrus fruit and elegant oak integration.

Product Story

The grapes were handpicked at optimal ripeness from Babylon Vineyards in Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge and cooled overnight to preserve freshness and aromatics.

After destemming, whole berries were gently pressed in a pneumatic press before cold settling. The juice was then transferred to seasoned 500-litre French oak barrels where spontaneous natural fermentation took place.

The wine matured on its lees for 16 months in seasoned French oak barrels, allowing texture, complexity and balance to develop naturally. Only the finest barrels were selected for the final blend before bottling.

Tasting Notes

This Chardonnay opens with a complex and layered bouquet where subtle oak frames aromas of lemon, acacia blossom, nougat and delicate chalky minerality.

The palate is vibrant, linear and precise, revealing flavours of white pear and lime pith with exceptional tension and freshness. A long, persistent finish highlights the wine’s poise, elegance and balance.

Style: Elegant, mineral and textured
Grape variety: Chardonnay
Alcohol: 13.5%
pH: 3.19
Total acidity: 6.8 g/l
Residual sugar: 1.9 g/l
Maturation: 16 months in seasoned 500-litre French oak barrels
Production: 1,929 bottles
Release date: 25 November 2024
Serving temperature: 8–10°C

Food Pairing

Francis Wines Chardonnay pairs beautifully with grilled seafood, roasted chicken and creamy pasta dishes. Its freshness and mineral structure also complement shellfish, lobster and refined poultry dishes exceptionally well.

Origin: Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge

This Chardonnay originates from Babylon Vineyards in the prestigious Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge appellation, one of South Africa’s leading cool-climate wine regions.

The vineyards are planted in Bokkeveld shale soils, contributing to the wine’s mineral character, freshness and refined structure. The cool maritime influence of the nearby Atlantic Ocean allows slow ripening and exceptional flavour development.

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