Vineyard and winemaking
The Valley Chardonnay draws fruit from several vineyards across Elgin, an elevated plateau around 70 kilometres south-east of Cape Town. Mountain shelter, cool Atlantic influence and varied sandstone and shale soils extend the growing season, giving Chardonnay with ripe flavour, brisk acidity and a firm mineral core.
The 2021 grapes were hand-harvested and matured for eight months in older 500-litre French oak barrels. The large, seasoned vessels add breadth and gentle lees-derived texture while keeping the oak flavour in the background, preserving the wine's lean, precise character.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Pale gold with green glints and bright, crystalline clarity.
Nose
Lemon zest, green apple and crisp pear are lifted by orchard blossom, with a subtle struck-match note adding flinty complexity rather than weight.
Palate
Linear and tightly wound, with citrus and green orchard fruit driven by vivid acidity. The older oak brings a light creamy contour through the middle, but the finish remains super-dry, mineral and refreshing, with a lingering pithy edge.
Food pairing
Serve with hake and mussels in a light broth, roast chicken with preserved lemon, grilled courgettes with ricotta, or smoked haddock fishcakes. Its acidity can cut through butter and cream, while the restrained fruit suits delicately seasoned dishes.
Background story
La Brune was founded by winemaker Nico Grobler after his experience in Burgundy inspired a focus on finesse, purity and site expression. Elgin's cool conditions and elevated vineyards offered the South African setting he wanted for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with natural freshness.
The Valley range broadens that idea beyond a single estate parcel by drawing on complementary sites across Elgin. In 2021, large-format seasoned oak and a deliberately dry profile produced a Chardonnay that places citrus, mineral tension and clarity ahead of overt richness.
