Staying ahead of the game in a highly competitive wine market takes more than passion and commitment, it also requires patience and innovation, and all these elements have led to the latest offering to emerge from Anthonij Rupert Wyne’s portfolio – the Cape of Good Hope Serruria Chardonnay 2015.

Cape of Good Hope Serruria Chardonnay 2015

Produced from vineyards planted on the farm Altima situated in the Elandskloof, this terroir-specific wine forms part of Cape of Good Hope range created in recognition of South Africa’s 350-year-old vinous heritage, aptly known as the Old Vines Initiative*.

The Altima vineyard is situated in a pristine valley north of Villiersdorp, also known as the Kaaimanskloof area, and is surrounded by a steep mountain range that rises 1km from the valley floor. During the winter months these mountains are typically covered with snow and, coupled with the elevation of 600 to 700m, equates to a very cool climate. This unique terroir produces wines with a high natural acidity and upfront aromas.

According to winemaker, Mark van Buuren, this wine has a shy orange blossom bouquet with hints of spice. On the palate the wine is fresh with lively orange and citrus flavours, cloaked with a creamy vanilla oak. Compared to a peacock fantail, the flavours start off quite reserved eventually revealing more depth and richness. The impressive harmonious integration of oak and fruit results in a flawless Chardonnay.

Available directly from the Anthonij Rupert Wyne Tasting Room at R260 per bottle, the Cape of Good Hope Serruria Chardonnay 2015 is the ideal wine partner to a light Prawn and Coconut Thai Curry, succulent roast Chicken, and seafood dishes such as Paella, Bouillabaisse or cold poached Salmon served with a Lemon and Fennel sauce.

For more information visit www.rupertwines.com.
The Old Vines Initiative is regarded as a valuable contribution to the protection of South African heritage and mirrors the Rupert family’s contributions in the preservation in other fields such as iconic art and architecture.

It was in 2006 that Johann Rupert initiated the search for all vineyards in South Africa older than 40 years. The objective of the project is to encourage farmers to keep these vineyards, or pieces of history, in the ground by offering the farmers a premium for their fruit. Although the yield per hectare becomes lower with age, the quality of the fruit increases drastically and the wines offer more complexity and structure. In the past, grapes from surviving old vines were simply added to a blend without distinction. The Cape of Good Hope range strives to vinify these old blocks separately and attempts to express the terroir of the vineyard through the vine.

Over 100 vineyards older than 40 years have been tracked down over the years.