South Africa continues to put out some of the world’s great wine values. And the 2019 Indaba Chardonnay is a must-try for those who love Santa Barbara or other Central Coast Chardonnays. The only difference is this one comes to you at less than $10!
Back up the truck on this one folks. Indaba has long been considered one of the world’s great value brands, and their Chardonnay has always led their production.
2019 Indaba Chardonnay
One of the world’s great, low oak Chardonnay values!
To place your order, stop by the store or click here to order this item in our online store.
Not only is this a good wine, it’s also a great story. Indaba is a word that means “to come together,” and the wines certainly embody that spirit. Grapes come from high-quality farmers in prime regions. And the team at Indaba incentivize their growers for quality (not quantity) grapes and their commitment to conserving the health of their land. Equally inspiring is the fact that for over 20 years, Indaba has invested in social progress in the Cape Winelands. A portion of all sales supports organizations that are working to empower the region and its people, building a brighter future.
It’s awesome when a winery invests in its people, its land, and it’s future, and it’s also awesome that this wine is really good. Grapes come from two distinct zones, and each one contributes unique aromas and flavors to the finished wine. Most of the grapes come from the limestone-rich soils of Robertson. These rocky vineyards yield wines with bright acids, zesty citrus, and minerality. The rest of the grapes hail from granitic soils of Paarl, and these sites bring a lusher, more tropical mix to the wine.
Balance is what winemaker Bruwer Raats (one of the country’s best) is going for. I’d say he’s doing a great job! To preserve freshness and purity, 90% of the wine is fermented in stainless steel. And to contribute a bit of richness and complexity, 10% is fermented in new French oak with weekly battonage. The wine then aged on its fine lees for several months to add additional complexity and a softer texture.
I had a bottle last night for “research purposes.” Frankly, I was blown away by every aspect of this wine, especially when you consider the price. The nose is pure and bright with lively pineapple, pear, green apple, and the slightest whiff of butterscotch. And the palate was equally pure and full of energy. Like the nose, there’s a nice mix of tropical fruits balanced by tart green apple and green pear. And although there is some oak present, I would never call this one “oaky” or “buttery.” It’s just a damned good bottle of Chardonnay!
It’s hard to believe a wine this good that comes from so far away can sell for so little. I advise you to pick up at least 6 bottles. It’s a great cocktail Chardonnay to have around the house for whatever your entertaining needs might be.
To place your order, stop by the store or click here to order this item in our online store.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville