Ataraxia Skin Contact Chardonnay is a unique and vibrant wine that exudes elegance and finesse. Made from handpicked grapes that undergo a meticulous skin-contact process, this wine showcases a beautiful golden color with aromas of ripe peach, apricot, and honeydew melon. On the palate, it offers a rich and creamy texture with flavors of citrus zest, white flowers, and a hint of baking spice. The extended skin contact gives the wine a slight grip and a subtle tannic structure, adding depth and complexity to the overall profile. Enjoy this Chardonnay on its own or paired with roasted chicken or seafood dishes for a truly indulgent experience.

Tasting Notes

An intriguing range extension from Chardonnay maestro Kevin Grant, this was fermented on its skins before ageing in older wood. Unusual, waxy and slightly tannic, with supporting acidity, lovely minerality and a savoury tang

About the Winery

Established in 2004, Ataraxia is a boutique winery located in the scenic area of Walker Bay in South Africa. The idea for the winery was conceptualised when a couple purchased 50 hectares of vineyards along with their friends. These vineyards were located at an elevated level at the backdrop of Babylons Toren Mountain Range. Therefore, the soil quality and the climate of these vineyards were perfect for growing the choicest quality of grapes.

Kevin Grant, the pioneer winemaker and the founder (the husband in the couple that we mentioned earlier) believes in a minimalist winemaking approach that doesn’t intervene with nature in any way. His objective is to ensure that the grapes cultivated in his vineyards represent the true heritage and character of South Africa’s premium wine-growing area of Hemel-en-Aarde.

Though many wines are handcrafted here, three of stand out because of the individualistic flavours and aromas they exhibit – Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Serenity. The Sauvignon Blanc varietals grown here are extremely pure and pungent, but they don’t compromise on their fruity accents and aromas. You can feel the flavours of passion fruit, citrus fruit and green melon in the wines made with these varietals.

The Chardonnay grape varietals are completely fermented in traditional French oak barrels, but using new methodologies and technology. The wines made with this grape varietal are very intense, but subtle as well. The Serenity is made from an exclusive red blend of grapes that are grown only in South Africa. The brand’s vintage wines are made using this varietal and the nature this red blend is still a puzzle to outsiders. This hand-crafted vintage wine lingers for a long time in your tongue, because it is assertive and simply out of the world!

The four popular wines made by this brand are the 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, 2017 Chardonnay, 2016 Pinot Noir and 2017 Serenity.

http://www.ataraxiawines.co.za

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