Restless River Ave Maria Chardonnay 2022

Beginning as a hobby for self-taught winemaker, Craig Wessels, Restless River is now a world-renowned producer of cool climate Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay described by Neal Martin as having “real Burgundian allure”. \n \nIn 2004, Craig and his wife Anne bought a run-down sheep farm in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, with a view to raising their family away from the city. By chance, the farm was also home to the area’s oldest remaining Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon vines, planted in 1998. Farming these vines became a serious passion, leading Craig to start making wine in a small, converted garage on the estate. In 2012, the Restless River wines were officially launched and have continued to impress ever since. \n \nThe Chardonnay grapes were harvested by hand and gently whole bunch pressed using an old Vaslin basket press. The juice was managed oxidatively and left to settle for 24 hours with no additives or cooling. Fermentation took place in 500L French oak barrels using indigenous yeasts and the wine was left to mature on lees for 12 months in barrel (10% new), as well as a small proportion (around 10%) in unlined Tuscan terracotta amphora, resulting in integrated and rich texture. The wine was then left to settle in stainless steel tanks for three months prior to bottling, followed by 18 months ageing in bottle prior to release.