Ataraxia Chardonnay Hemel-en-Aarde 2022

Description

Located in the Hemel-en-Aarde on petrified sand dunes, Ataraxia was founded in 2004 by husband and wife team Kevin and Hanli Grant. A former Zoologist, Kevin spent years getting to know the intricacies of Hemel-en-Aarde`s terroir as head winemaker of Hamilton Russel.

Ataraxia is a deeply personal project for Kevin. along with some dear friends, he purchased 50 hectares of prime vineyard land in an exceptional landscape, known as `The Skyfields`. Nestled on this commanding rise beneath the soaring Babylons Toren mountain range, the vineyards are planted on some of the most spectacular terroir South Africa has to offer. It is a place where Pinot Noir and Chardonnay make their natural home, and where wines of incredible finesse, balance and depth are crafted, proudly holding their own in the international arena.

The name Ataraxia is "a term used to describe emotional tranquillity" explains Kevin. His approach to winemaking is minimalist and non-interventionist, geared to reflect a sense of place and expression of terroir. Chardonnay is 100% barrel fermented and is Old World in style. It has been known to top the charts in many a South African Chardonnay tasting, and rightly so, a chiselled, focused wine that effortlessly manages to be both subtle and intense, it whispers hints of sun-warmed tropical fruits, gentle peach and vanilla.