Bouchard Finlayson Missionvale Chardonnay is a white wine made in the quintessential style of the Chardonnay grape. It is produced in a small, family-owned vineyard located in the cool-climate region of Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, South Africa. This wine is a lively and refreshing blend of citrus and tropical fruit flavors that is elevated with soft, buttery notes from being matured in French oak barrels. With a crisp acidity and a smooth finish, it pairs well with grilled seafood, creamy pasta dishes or savored on its own. Bouchard Finlayson Missionvale Chardonnay is a true testament to the exceptional quality of South African wines and the skill of the talented winemakers behind them.

Tasting Notes

The name Missionvale stems from the mission hospital established on the property in the early 19th century. All grapes are estate grown. Invitingly rich, with textbook mineral intensity slicing through bright peach and fresh grapefruit flavours. Exhibits ginger and nutmeg spiced notes. Balanced beams of oak and fruit complexities are focused by a refreshing lemon rind finish. Lingers effortlessly.

About the Winery

Bouchard Finlayson serves as a family affair and a symbol of collaboration. Established by Peter Finlayson in 1989, the winery stemmed from the partnership of the founder with Paul Bouchard, a renowned Burgundian winemaker. Bouchard Finlayson is a place that combines the elements of the winemaking heritage of the old world and the innovative inventions of recent times. The estate of the winery lies in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley of South Africa.

Since the beginning, Peter pioneered the plantation and growth of the Pinot Noir grape variety in the region. He was responsible for bringing in and introducing Nebbiolo and Sangiovese in the vineyards of South Africa. Nonetheless, both Paul and Peter had a dedication and love for crafting and developing unique wines that express the characteristics and quality of their coastal terroirs. Their alliance and the hard work and effort they put behind the winery helped Bouchard Finlayson earn and enjoy the reputation and fame it has to this day. The passion they shared for Pinot Noir allowed them to transform the virgin soil of the area into a kind suitable for the vineyards. It laid the foundation for the extensive growth of the grapevines and the development of the winery’s cellar.

The workers in the 25-hectare vineyards of Bouchard Finlayson follow a meticulous system and technique of planting the grapevines. They respect the time-honoured winemaking principles from Burgundy. Such practices allow the produced wines to express the refreshing maritime climate of the region. The winery believes that every aspect of the vineyard gets reflected in the drinks. Thus, they take enormous care of their lands and even the harvest process. The staff select and use only those grapes that achieve the desired standard of maturity. Overall, Bouchard Finlayson deems the time consuming and labour extensive to be worth it.

https://www.bouchardfinlayson.co.za

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