Baleia Limitados The Limestone Debate Chardonnay 2020

The Baleia Limitados The Limestone Debate Chardonnay is a careful selection of 6 rows of Chardonnay, planted in Limestone and fermented in a combination of 300-litre French oak barrels (35% new French oak) and amphora (20% Italian terracotta amphora) for 11 months. This site, with its unique limestone soils and salt deposits, were identified by Jan-Hendrik Joubert and it was decided to put the potential of Chardonnay to the test here. More specifically, they wanted to ‘test’ the perception that limestone is indeed the best soil for Chardonnay.

In the glass, this wine displays a bright light-golden colour. It is forthcoming on the nose, with hints of lime, tangerine, mango and toasted bread. It is medium-bodied on the palate, with a shy entry, slowly displaying some tangerine peel, green apple, white pear, peach and dough. It has a slightly oily mouthfeel and medium acidity, with a good balance between fruit and acidity. The finish of this wine is its highlight, with a salty minerality and tropical fruit medley.

This wine should be served chilled, but I found that too chilled causes it to withhold some of its characteristics. It can be enjoyed on its own, but it will work exceptionally well with a seafood pasta or poultry dishes. It is ready to drink now or within the next five years. This wine is low in alcohol and slightly on the more expensive side of Chardonnays, but well worth a try.

Producer: Baleia

Variety: Chardonnay 100%

Vintage: 2020

Origin: Cape South Coast, Western Cape, South Africa

Winemaker: Gunter Schultz

Closure: Cork

Alcohol: 13%

RS: 2.8g/l

Average price: R340

Rating: 90/100