The Morning Show with Dave Charles☀️

The Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection Chardonnay 2024 is a finely-crafted South-African white wine produced in the Western Cape, primarily from vineyards in the Stellenbosch region with a smaller portion from Robertson. It displays an elegant and complex character: the nose opens with fresh limes and citrus blossoms, followed on the palate by refined oak influence, supported by a crystalline acid structure and a subtle mineral-twinge. The 2024 vintage was noted for an early bud-break and flowering, resulting in a relatively small Chardonnay harvest but with strong potential. Vinification involves 12 hours skin-contact, whole-bunch pressing for some portion, slow fermentation at low temperature and eight months maturation in French oak barrels (with about 20% new oak, remainder second‐ and third-fill barrels). The winemaker suggests it can be enjoyed already, yet promises good cellaring potential — around 5 to 10 years in the right conditions. This makes it a sophisticated choice for pairing with richer seafood, poultry in creamy sauces or dishes with a delicate oak or buttery dimension.