Stretching from the Mapungubwe National Park to the southern tip of Africa, South Africa spans 471,445 square miles and is characterised by several distinct ecosystems. From these ancient soils, South African Chardonnay has emerged as a formidable contender on the world stage, distinguished not only by its geology and terroir but also by a spirit of innovation, world-class quality, and excellent value for money.
The Chardonnay Association of South Africa was established to champion a new era for South African Chardonnay. Once overlooked, the country’s Chardonnay aims for global recognition as a world-class wine on its own merits, rather than just being considered ‘good for South African wine’. The association is committed to changing global perceptions by emphasising the diversity and quality of wine across various regions and styles. It showcases terroir through tastings and exhibitions while also supporting research and climate resilience initiatives.
South Africa can be divided into distinct Chardonnay winemaking regions along the western and southern coasts, each with unique terroir, climate, and soil composition that influence its style. The regions include the coastal areas of Stellenbosch, including Banghoek Valley, as well as Paarl, Franschhoek, Constantia, and Swartland. On the Cape South Coast, the Chardonnay regions are Elgin and Overberg, Cape Agulhas, and Walker Bay (also known as Hemel-en-Aarde). In the Breede River Valley, Chardonnay is notably produced in Robertson and Breedekloof.
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