Chardonnay 2023, Ataraxia, Hemel-en-Aarde

Kevin Grant is one of only a handful Chardonnay specialists in South Africa. Bright yellow straw in appearance. White flowers and vanilla cream on the nose, with neatly integrated toasty oak characters. This Chardonnay has been known to top the charts in many a South African Chardonnay tasting, and rightly so with its chiselled, focused style. It manages to be both subtle and intense, with hints of sun-warmed tropical fruits, gentle peach and vanilla. The wine has a fresh palate on entry with crisp acidity and subtle tropical notes.

Located in the Hemel-en-Aarde on petrified sand dunes, Ataraxia was founded in 2004 by husband and wife team Kevin and Hanli Grant. A former Zoologist, Kevin spent years getting to know the intricacies of Hemel-en-Aarde`s terroir as head winemaker of Hamilton Russel. Ataraxia is a deeply personal project for Kevin. along with some dear friends, he purchased 50 hectares of prime vineyard land in an exceptional landscape, known as `The Skyfields`. Nestled on this commanding rise beneath the soaring Babylons Toren mountain range, the vineyards are planted on some of the most spectacular terroir South Africa has to offer. It is a place where Pinot Noir and Chardonnay make their natural home, and where wines of incredible finesse, balance and depth are crafted, proudly holding their own in the international arena.

The name Ataraxia is “a term used to describe emotional tranquillity” explains Kevin. His approach to winemaking is minimalist and non-interventionist, geared to reflect a sense of place and expression of terroir.

No Vinification / Viticulture information available.