Chardonnay

Excelsior Estate is a fifth-generation, family-owned winery in South Africa’s Robertson Valley, where the De Wet family has cultivated vines since 1859. Freddie and Peter de Wet manage the estate, with winemaking led by Johan Stemmet, who has held the role since 2003, alongside Peter. Vineyards on deep, calcareous soils are farmed with low-chemical, low-spray methods, careful canopy management and water-saving irrigation; the estate pioneered drip irrigation. Grapes are handpicked in the dry Robertson climate and include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with Petit Verdot and Viognier used for blending. The wines are described as full-bodied and intensely fruity, and are exported to more than 20 countries.