Crystallum - The Agnes Chardonnay 2018
Crystallum Wines is located in Walker Bay, in South Africa. It is a boutique winery (small-run, limited-production, hand-crafted and artisanal) created in 2007 by brothers Andrew and Peter-Allan Finlayson, who come from a family of winemakers who pioneered the production of Pinot Noir in the Hemel-en-Aarde ward, notably establishing Bouchard Finlayson. Crystallum's first vintage in 2007 was exclusively Sauvignon Blanc, but the following year Chardonnay and Pinot Noir were added to the wine portfolio. Crystallum now focuses on the Burgundian varieties. Crystallum produces around 700 cases annually; about 60% red wine and 40% white.
The Agnes Chardonnay is named after the Finlayson's Great Grandmother, Agnes Floyd, who arrived in South Africa at the age of 14. Sturdy in build and character, she is reputed to be the first lady to have had a driver's licence in the city of Cape Town. This multiple vineyard blend is made to reflect the resilience and strength of Agnes, with each vineyard contributing complexity to the final wine. The grapes of Chardonnay are sourced from five vineyards in the Hemel-en-Aarde and Overberg regions. The Agnes Chardonnay is produced using the traditional method of transferring the whole grape clusters straight from harvesting into the press and running the juice off into a settling tank. The wine is fermented and aged in 228 and 500-litres French oak barrels, 10% of which is new. It is then naturally fermented in barrel, where it remains for 9 months before bottling.
Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay