De Wetshof Estate Chardonnay Limestone Hill

Pairs with: Tuna belly nigiri

Good for: Great by itself or with food. Share with your friends during a backyard get-together. 

Grape: Chardonnay

I am from: Robertson, South Africa

The story: The name De Wetshof has been synonymous with the production of fine wines in South Africa since the 1970s. As the first registered wine estate in the Robertson Wine Valley, De Wetshof has become known internationally as South Africa's eminent Chardonnay House due to the pioneering role it played in introducing this noble Burgundian grape to the country.

The De Wet family's winemaking heritage can, however, be traced back to 1694 when the first De Wets arrived at the Cape and immediately made a mark on the South African wine industry.

Today, De Wetshof is one of the few third generation wine estates in South Africa. Here Daniel de Wet, proprietor and cellarmaster, is assisted by sons Johann (viticulture and marketing) and Peter (winemaker).

Why you'll love me: Heavy clay soils rich in limestone allow this Chardonnay to be an optimum expression of the varietal, with rich complexity. An un-oaked wine, Limestone Hill has notes of grapefruit up front, balanced by a nuanced elegance ending and a tart, delicate ripeness.