About this wine
Bouchard Finlayson's flagship white wine, named after an old block on the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley farm. Fermented and aged in French oak barriques (around one-third new) in the classic Burgundian style with extensive lees contact, it shows textbook minerality, citrus and white peach fruit, ginger-spice nuances and a long, saline finish. The cool maritime climate of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley gives the wine its signature freshness and ageing potential.
A great introduction to Burgundian-style Chardonnay from the New World — rich but balanced by bright acidity.
Sommelier's Note
"South Africa's benchmark Burgundian-style Chardonnay — a wine that regularly outperforms bottles twice its price."
Food Pairings
A versatile food wine that pairs beautifully with grilled linefish, roast chicken with lemon and herbs, creamy pasta, and semi-hard cheeses.
When to drink it
Special dinners, seafood feasts, and celebratory gatherings
Specs
- Grape Varieties
- Chardonnay
- Style
- White
- Alcohol
- 13.5%
- Price Range
- $25-35
Terroir & Winemaking
Hand-harvested, whole-bunch pressed and fermented in French oak barriques (approx. 33% new) using indigenous and cultured yeasts, matured for about 9 months on the lees with regular bâtonnage.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes Missionvale Chardonnay distinctive?
- It is fermented and matured in French oak in the Burgundian tradition, giving it textbook minerality, citrus and white peach fruit, balanced by well-integrated oak spice and a long, saline finish.
- How long can Missionvale Chardonnay be cellared?
- Thanks to its bright acidity and oak structure, top vintages can develop well in the bottle for 5-8 years, though it is also delicious on release.
- What food pairs best with Missionvale Chardonnay?
- Grilled linefish, roast chicken, creamy pasta and semi-hard cheeses are classic pairings that complement its richness and acidity.
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