The History of Chardonnay on International Chardonnay Day 2022

Celebrating International Chardonnay Day this year, let’s take a look at the origin of chardonnay, along with its characteristics and Benguela Cove’s take on the grape varietal.

From Humble Beginnings

The first recorded reference to Chardonnay dates back to 1330. It is said that the word Chardonnay originates from the Latin-based term Cardonnacum, which means "where thistles grow." From humble beginnings, it is said that a village called Mâconnais in Burgundy, France was where the monks planted their first Chardonnay grapes. The rest is history as they say…

The Chardonnay Grape

The chardonnay grape itself contributes to the wine’s popularity. Chardonnay is a relatively ‘low-maintenance’ vine that adapts well to a variety of climates, resulting in a fairly high yield.   

“Our focus is to sustainably create small volumes of high-quality estate and icon wines.” 

 - Benguela Cove Wine Team  

Although chardonnay wines have a reputation for being made in the cellar rather than in the vineyard, meaning the influence of the winemaker, the Benguela Cove Chardonnay took the opposite approach. Our winemaker, Johann Fourie, is much more interested in showcasing the beautiful coastal slope that produces this grape. A beneficial diurnal range aids in even ripening and complexity while maritime winds encourage healthy vines that need minimal intervention.  

"We aim to produce a Chardonnay that is an expression of the vineyard. We, therefore, make subtle use of oak to celebrate its intensely fruited core. I think this vintage might just be our best expression of Benguela Cove Chardonnay to date!"  - Johann Fourie on the Benguela Cove Chardonnay 2020  

Walker Bay, Hermanus, South Africa earned its reputation for outstanding Chardonnay and the vineyards at Benguela Cove deliver on this expectation. The vineyards at Benguela Cove are unique. Dedicated to the craft of allowing each wine to tell its own story, only estate-grown grapes are used to encapsulate this quintessential cool climate.  

Characteristics: Oaked vs Unoaked

Chardonnay is one of the few white wines that has depth and power to stand up to oak.  Chardonnay aged in oak barrels (oaked), is traditionally described as toasty or buttery with dessert-like notes of vanilla, caramel or spices. The flavour profile can depend on the oak used, meaning its origin (American or French) and if the barrel is new or has been used once or twice before.   

Benguela Cove’s approach to winemaking is to use only estate-grown grapes, which are produced and bottled at our on-site state of the art winery.  

Visit any of our estates to taste the Benguela Cove Chardonnay 

It is nearly impossible not to fall in love with the sumptuous aroma of this wine. Straw gold in colour, elegantly knit aromas of dried apricot, nectarine, and sweet orange lures you in and generously follows through on the palate. Met with fresh acidity, a gentle creaminess also envelops the palate, trailed with citrus zest, and a toasty finish. The mineral structure cuts through the textured mouthfeel leaving a fresh, clean finish. This wine, packed with character, is best explained as a wine of refined complexity.  

This wine is confident and demands attention with its balance between freshness and fullness. Apart from being beautifully balanced, the intensity, chalky texture, length, concentration, and super long finish make this a worthy competitor for the best Chardonnays of its kind.  

Best to enjoy   

Rich in texture and fruit even meaty dishes will succumb to its complexity.   

Cellaring potential: 2 - 5 years since harvest date| Serving temperature: 10 - 12℃   

Food Pairing  

Blue Cheese gnocchi | Pungent washed-rind cheeses | Escargot  

We deliver nationwide. Free delivery on orders of 6 bottles or more. Or visit the Cellar Door, open 7 days a week.