The newly released Allée Bleue Estate Chardonnay is an example of this classic variety that epitomises a new wave of Chardonnays, showcasing the natural, generous fruit flavours of the variety through the use of concrete eggs.
This single vineyard expression of Chardonnay combines the richer style of Chardonnays from Franschhoek, crafted to show elegant and sophisticated fruit and lees characteristics, without the use of French oak.
Allée Bleue winemaker Van Zyl du Toit has vast experience in Chardonnay production in Franschhoek and is known for his innovative and brave approach to winemaking, which involves numerous experiments and trials. “Chardonnay is incredibly versatile and is used for the production of an array of styles. At Allée Bleue, we have historically used it for the production of Cap Classique, unwooded Chardonnay, white blends, and our flagship Isabeau Chardonnay. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to experiment with different vineyards, clones, and vessels of fermentation – including French oak barrels, amphorae, and concrete eggs,” explains Van Zyl.
According to Van Zyl, Chardonnay matured in concrete eggs strikes a balance between finesse, elegance, and complexity. “The layers of flavours are just amazing – from tantalising hints of pineapple to alluring baked bread and a beautiful spicy fragrance; it’s all there!”
According to Allée Bleue CEO, Dr Edo Heyns, the introduction of the Allée Bleue Estate Chardonnay is part of the estate’s expanded focus on Chardonnay. “We are in the process of establishing new Chardonnay vineyards, and the Estate Chardonnay is testimony to our belief in the premium Chardonnay category. It’s a varietal that does exceptionally well in the Franschhoek valley and is used for both still wine and Cap Classique. While Allée Bleue has historically produced unwooded Chardonnay and the flagship Isabeau, the Estate Chardonnay now makes the varietal the core of our portfolio,” explains Heyns.
Allée Bleue is situated at the confluence of the Dwarsriver and Bergriver – two life-giving veins for the Franschhoek Valley. Significantly, the rivers have played a crucial role in forming the terroir of the estate, with layers of round stones within the vineyards indicating that the rivers once flowed where the vines are planted today.
“As a multi-generational family estate, Allée Bleue is a steward of these important ecosystems. At the same time, the stony soils shaped by the rivers play an essential role in the natural freshness and texture of our wines. This is certainly also the case with the new Allée Bleue Chardonnay,” says Heyns.
The versatile Allée Bleue Estate Chardonnay 2024 is the perfect accompaniment to fresh yellowtail, creamy pasta dishes, and the popular haloumi stack, available at the Allée Bleue Bistro. This new release is available at the Allée Bleue cellar door for R210.00.
For more information, contact Allée Bleue’s sales executive, Frits Brune: frits@alleebleue.com