This Chardonnay exhibits a green-to-gold color with a vibrantly clear tint. Aromas on the nose reveal bright citrus, accompanied by subtle notes of lemon sponge, honeysuckle, and oatmeal, followed by a hint of chalk and a saline ocean spray.
The wine offers a broad, flavorful palate with dominant lime flavors, balanced by rich yet delicate tropical undertones and hints of lightly grilled nuts. This vintage is once again graced with lively acidity, promising exceptional aging potential. With great texture and balance, it reflects an impressive pedigree and possesses a gentle femininity, much like the Elgin terroir from which the grapes are sourced.
The wine offers a broad, flavorful palate with dominant lime flavors, balanced by rich yet delicate tropical undertones and hints of lightly grilled nuts. This vintage is once again graced with lively acidity, promising exceptional aging potential. With great texture and balance, it reflects an impressive pedigree and possesses a gentle femininity, much like the Elgin terroir from which the grapes are sourced.
The grapes were harvested between 22 and 23 Brix, then transported to the winery and cooled to 1°C. They were loaded whole into the press, where they underwent a slow, 7-hour pressing. The juice, at approximately 600 NTU, was transferred to barrel without settling, and the entire process occurred in the presence of oxygen, a factor that significantly enhances the wine’s aging potential. Fermentation commenced naturally after about four days and lasted just over a month, with the low pH extending the malolactic fermentation process to around 12 months.
For this Chardonnay, the barrels were rolled rather than stirred for batonnage, allowing for beneficial sediment contact while minimizing oxygen exposure. The wine spent an extended 16 months in barrel—remarkably long for a white wine—with 30% aged in new oak and the remainder in second- and third-fill barrels. It was bottled unfiltered and matured in the bottle for an additional year before release.
Winemaker: Martin Smith
For this Chardonnay, the barrels were rolled rather than stirred for batonnage, allowing for beneficial sediment contact while minimizing oxygen exposure. The wine spent an extended 16 months in barrel—remarkably long for a white wine—with 30% aged in new oak and the remainder in second- and third-fill barrels. It was bottled unfiltered and matured in the bottle for an additional year before release.
Winemaker: Martin Smith
Paserene is a small, family operated winery owned by Martin Smith and Ndabe Mareda, the sole purpose of which is to produce high-end, luxury wines. Great care was given to ensure that the wines produced, and artwork on the labels, are truly authentic to its “sense of place and people” and will guarantee a lasting legacy. The name Paserene comes from the Latin word Passeriformes, the order of "traveling and free" birds containing swifts and swallows. Paserene is situated in the quaint town of Franschhoek and is home to their award-winning wine range. A professional and contemporary tasting lounge is situated on the property.
