{"product_id":"the-valley-elgin-chardonnay-2021","title":"The Valley Elgin Chardonnay 2021","description":"\u003ch4\u003eVineyard and winemaking\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTasting notes\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePale gold with green glints and bright, crystalline clarity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eNose\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLemon zest, green apple and crisp pear are lifted by orchard blossom, with a subtle struck-match note adding flinty complexity rather than weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003ePalate\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLinear 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFood pairing\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eBackground story\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLa 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"La Brune","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54921453306238,"sku":"VVVALLEYCHARD21","price":23.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0036\/1984\/8252\/files\/sc-representative-16-20261007-600x960.png?v=1791389019","url":"https:\/\/sommelierschoice.co.uk\/products\/the-valley-elgin-chardonnay-2021","provider":"Sommelier's Choice","version":"1.0","type":"link"}