Paul Cluver
Nov 21, 2023
Press Release “Chardonnay has become one of the Cape’s strongest wine categories as producers, spurred by their successes as well as local and international acclaim, are continually making better Chardonnay,” - Paul Cluver.
The Estate Chardonnay 2021 from pioneering Elgin producer Paul Clüver Family Wines achieved a top five star-rating in the 2024 Platter’s Guide, the leading communication platform on the quality proposition of South African wine. Now in its 44th year of publication, Platter’s this year judged over 8 000 wines from some 900 producers for its 2024 Guide, with 226 wines garnering five star-recognition.
Paul Clüver Jnr, MD of Paul Clüver Family Wines, says Platter’s continues to lead the way in recognising exceptional Cape wines and a five star-rating is always a highly commendable achievement.
“Chardonnay has become one of the Cape’s strongest wine categories as producers, spurred by their successes as well as local and international acclaim, are continually making better Chardonnay,” says Clüver. “Having planted the first commercial Chardonnay vineyards in Elgin 36 years ago, Paul Clüver Family Wines sees the latest five star-accolade from Platter’s as an underscoring of our commitment to this noble Burgundian variety and the role we have played in providing and promoting Chardonnay excellence in Elgin and the rest of South Africa.”
Paul Clüver Estate Chardonnay 2021 is made from vineyards set on the estate and are on average over 20 years old. Planted on elevated sites between 320m and 385m above sea-level, the cool climate terroir includes the farm’s famous Bokkeveld shale and clay soils.
Once harvested the grapes are placed in cold-storage overnight before whole-bunch pressing commences. The juice settles, also overnight, without settling agents before being transferred to French oak barrels for fermentation. Wild fermentation is done in a selection of French oak barrels. (26% new, 26% 2nd and the rest 3rd and 4th fill.) Minimal lees stirring was done to ensure brightness and energy in the wine which remained on the lees for nine months.
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