2024 - Lismore Estate Chardonnay Reserve - 6x75cl

Region

South Africa

Grape-growing has been a key part of South African agriculture ever since the first Europeans settled at the Cape of Good hope nearly 400 years ago. During the 18th and 19th centuries, at a time when legendary names such as Lafite and Romanée-Conti were still in the making, Europe was already being charmed by the Muscat-based dessert wines of Constantia. Unfortunately, South Africa’s reputation for quality declined, primarily due to overproduction, and it wasn’t until the early 1990s that the Cape began to return to prominence. Over the last few decades, new vine-growing ventures from an enthusiastic generation of winemakers, coupled with the rediscovery of regions whose potential had long been ignored, have led to an increase in quality across the region. Mirroring the diverse landscapes, South Africa’s climate and soils vary dramatically from region to region, with more than 50 soil types found in Stellenbosch alone. Equally, the contrasting intentions of growers, from the traditional to the progressive, can be seen from one farm to the next, reflecting the delightful variety of South African winemaking in a country known for its diversity. With over 60 appellations, mostly based within the Western Cape province, the South African wine industry is a provider of both bulk and premium wines, with the latter being some of the most reputable in the world. While Chenin Blanc remains the grower’s favourite grape variety, many other European varietals are grown here, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Semillon.