You had me at Chardonnay!
What better way to start 2017’s Wine Crush Wednesday series than discovering a new wine from one of the most picturesque boutique wineries in famed Franschhoek; La Petite Ferme. Now offering a Barrel Fermented Chardonnay along side it’s list of “little farm” quality quaffs.
La Petite Ferme is well-known for its premium boutique range of reds and whites that express their unique Franschhoek terroir. Wines are produced in small and limited quantities – an approach that encapsulates the best of the estate’s handcrafting philosophy.
“I love the real hands-on approach during the winemaking,”
“I challenge myself to create wines that are elegant and complex;
that can be enjoyed and discussed;
and offer the opportunity for new discovery when combined with a well-made meal.”
-says Wikus Pretorius,
who recently took over from Mark Dendy Young in October 2015.
Exclusively available from the estate, the La Petite Ferme Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2016 allows for a rediscovery of the excellence inherent across its range. The latest incarnation of this wine displays an inviting aroma of beurre noizette (burnt butter) accompanied by notes of roasted almonds that emerge as a result of the wine’s judicious exposure to wood. On the palate, there are flavours of fresh ripe pineapple and green apple.
Overall, the wine is well balanced and complex, combining fresh citrus and elegant layers of sensory enjoyment typical of premier Chardonnays.
“Our 2016 Chardonnay takes a different path then previous vintages,”
“Fruit for the 2016 vintage is a combination of our estate grown vineyards and grapes from Elim (Agulhas) which is more coastal.
“Typical stone fruit flavours are contributed by the Franschhoek grapes and cutting fresh minerality, by the Elim fruit. They work exceptionally well together to produce a wine with length as well as freshness.”
Pretorius is particularly happy with the wine for its delicacy and freshness while retaining enough weight from the time spent in oak. “The result is a wine that is equally at home by itself or with food.”
-says Pretorius.
With the on-site restaurant having received a revamp we asked which dishes of the current summer menu plates would pair well with this 2016 release. Perfect lunch or dinner partner this Chard pairs with three delicious dishes on offer:
SIGNATURE DISH // WHOLE SMOKED TROUT
The smoky nature of the trout combined with the beetroot and horseradish flavours create a taste combination that is both rounded and fresh, with the almond finish adding that nutty hint, picked up perfectly by the acidity in the balsamic. The trout itself is cooked to perfection and pulls a part easily with each bite.
Think braised leg of rabbit that is served with mustard apple sauce, baby vegetable, dried apple and sweet potato purée or wild mushrooms with cauliflower truffle purée, pearl barley, pecorino cheese and garlic crumbs, and naturally the signature whole smoked trout served with lemon-chive hummus, roasted beetroot, horseradish crème fraiche and baby fennel salad.
The La Petite Ferme Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2016 is only available from the estate and is sold in the wine shop and restaurant for R200 per bottle.
