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Haute Cabrière Chardonnay Pinot Noir South Africa
Haute Cabrière Chardonnay Pinot Noir is not just any fresh South African white wine, but the very first Chardonnay Pinot Noir from South Africa. The wine originated in 1994, when an extremely hot summer threatened the planned Cap Classique and founder Achim von Arnim decided to vinify the grapes anyway. What began as a creative solution grew into an iconic blend, now refined by the passion and skill of 3 winemakers over 3 decades.
Vineyards and region
This wine comes from South Africa, where Haute Cabrière is located in Franschhoek.
Location / Origin: Haute Cabrière is located in Franschhoek, one of South Africa's most famous wine regions and home to the winery behind this pioneering blend.
Winery Style: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the two grapes on which Haute Cabrière builds its identity. In this wine, they come together in a light, fresh, and gastronomic style.
History: The blend was first made in 1994, making it South Africa's first Chardonnay Pinot Noir. Since then, the wine has grown into one of Haute Cabrière's most recognizable wines.
Vinification and aging
The vinification focuses on freshness, fruit, and a smooth mouthfeel.
Fermentation: The wine is fermented in stainless steel. This keeps the citrus, white peach, and delicate red fruit bright and lively.
Aging / Sur lie: The wine ages for 6 months on its fermentation lees in stainless steel. What is sur lie? Sur lie means that the wine rests on fine yeast cells, which gives it more mouthfeel, freshness, and complexity.
Alcohol percentage: With 12.5% alcohol, the wine remains elegant and drinkable, while aging on the lees provides enough body for a full, soft taste impression.
Vegan: This wine is vegan friendly and therefore broadly applicable for drinks, dinners, and hospitality.
Grape composition
This South African blend combines 2 Burgundian grape varieties in a very unique way.
77% Chardonnay – South Africa: Chardonnay forms the base of the wine and provides fresh citrus, white peach, volume, and a round structure.
23% Pinot Noir – South Africa: Pinot Noir adds delicate red fruit, extra tension, and refinement, giving the wine more character than a classic white Chardonnay.
Tasting notes and serving tips
Clear pale yellow in the glass, with fresh citrus, white peach, and a subtle hint of red fruit. The taste is lively and smooth, with fine acidity, a soft structure, and plenty of fruity energy. The finish remains fresh, elegant, and remarkably drinkable.
Serving temperature: Serve this Chardonnay Pinot Noir at 8–10 °C, so that the fresh citrus fruit, white peach, and delicate red fruit remain beautifully balanced.
Dishes: Delicious with Mediterranean dishes, grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, fresh salads, salmon, shellfish, and light appetizer dishes.
More information about Haute Cabrière
Haute Cabrière is a winery from Franschhoek with a distinct love for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The Chardonnay Pinot Noir blend perfectly showcases the strengths of the house: creativity, craftsmanship, and wines that immediately bring joy to the table. The fact that this wine once arose from a challenge in the cellar only strengthens the story, because over 30 years later, it is still one of Haute Cabrière's most beloved signature wines.
Product details
| Alcohol content | 12.5% |
|---|---|
| Vintage | 2024 |
| Size | 0.75L |
| Region | Western Cape |
| Sub-region | Franschhoek |
| Land | South Africa |
| Producer | Haute Cabrière & Pierre Jourdan |
| Varietal(s) | Chardonnay, Pinot Noir |
| Ideal serving temperature ? | 10° - 12°C |
| Storage at perfecte wijn | Air conditioned at 18°c |