Crystallum Ferrum Chardonnay 2023

Region and Vineyards

Ferrum Chardonnay is sourced from a single vineyard in the Shaw’s Mountain area of Overberg, situated at 220 meters above sea level. The vineyard benefits from iron-rich shale soils, which naturally limit vine vigor and enhance flavor concentration. The climate, influenced by cooling sea breezes and its proximity to the coast, ensures slow ripening and preserves the natural acidity of the grapes.

This site mirrors the terroir of nearby Hemel-en-Aarde, offering similar conditions, but is technically outside the region. The vineyard’s altitude and soil composition are key to producing a wine of elegance and depth, with vibrant acidity and complex aromatics.

Winemaking

Upon arriving at the winery, the grapes were gently whole-bunch pressed, yielding a clear juice that was settled before fermentation. Fermentation occurred naturally in 300–500-liter oak barrels, with 20% new oak, allowing the wine to develop texture and complexity without overpowering the fruit.

The wine remained on its lees for 10 months, gaining additional depth and richness. It was then bottled by hand, without filtration or cold stabilization, to preserve its intensity of flavor and character. This minimalist approach highlights the vineyard’s terroir.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale gold with bright clarity.
• Aroma: Notes of lime leaf, sea spray, lemongrass, and a hint of smokiness create an inviting and complex bouquet.
• Palate: Energetic and taut, with a rich texture balanced by mouth-watering acidity. The finish is long and layered, offering depth and elegance.

Did you know?

The name Ferrum reflects the vineyard’s iron-rich shale soils, a key element in shaping the wine’s structure and minerality. These soils naturally restrict vine vigor, concentrating the flavors in the grapes while maintaining balance and acidity.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Seared scallops with lemon butter: The wine’s vibrant acidity and minerality enhance the delicate sweetness of the scallops.
• Grilled chicken with herbs de Provence: Its balance of richness and freshness complements the savory and herbal notes of the dish.
• Linguine with clams and garlic: The saline and citrus notes align perfectly with the briny and garlicky flavors.
• Goat cheese and arugula salad: The wine’s energy and subtle smokiness elevate the creamy tang and peppery greens.

History of Crystallum Estate

Crystallum was founded in 2007 by brothers Peter-Allan and Andrew Finlayson, who hail from a family deeply rooted in the South African wine industry. Their father, Peter Finlayson, was a pioneer in the production of cool-climate wines in South Africa, particularly at Bouchard Finlayson, where he established a reputation for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Following in their father’s footsteps, Peter-Allan and Andrew ventured into winemaking after university, sourcing fruit from some of the most prestigious vineyards in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.

From humble beginnings, Crystallum quickly gained recognition for producing world-class wines. Peter-Allan Finlayson, who has since taken on the role of head winemaker, has been instrumental in evolving the winery’s style. His focus has always been on minimal intervention and allowing the vineyard’s natural character to shine through in every bottle. Today, Crystallum is one of South Africa’s most highly regarded boutique wineries, exporting its wines to wine lovers and collectors around the world.

Region and Vineyards

Crystallum’s wines are primarily sourced from the Hemel-en-Aarde region, a part of South Africa’s Cape South Coast that is renowned for its cool, maritime climate. This region is ideal for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, which moderates the temperature and extends the grape ripening period.

The vineyards are located on a mix of clay, shale, and quartz soils, each of which contributes to the complexity and structure of the wines. The Clay Shales vineyard, a single-vineyard site used for one of Crystallum’s most famous Chardonnays, sits at an altitude of 300 meters, benefiting from cooling sea breezes that preserve the freshness and natural acidity in the grapes. The careful selection of vineyard sites ensures that Crystallum’s wines are both expressive of their terroir and structured for ageing.

Wine Range

Crystallum is best known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The winery produces several single-vineyard wines, each showcasing the unique characteristics of their respective sites. Among their standout wines are:

• Clay Shales Chardonnay: A single-vineyard Chardonnay known for its rich texture and vibrant acidity, reflecting the influence of the clay and shale soils in which the vines are grown.
• Cuvée Cinéma Pinot Noir: Sourced from a high-altitude vineyard, this Pinot Noir is renowned for its bright red fruit, savory complexity, and fine tannic structure.
• Bona Fide Pinot Noir: A delicate, refined Pinot Noir with savory and earthy notes, balanced by bright fruit and a persistent finish.
• Peter Max Pinot Noir: A vibrant and fruit-driven wine with a fine balance between acidity and tannin, representing the cool-climate style of the Hemel-en-Aarde region.

All Crystallum wines are fermented using indigenous yeasts and aged in French oak barrels, with a focus on subtle oak influence to allow the natural fruit expression to shine through.

Did you know?

Crystallum’s winemaker, Peter-Allan Finlayson, is part of one of South Africa’s most illustrious wine families. His father, Peter Finlayson, was the first winemaker in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, making him a trailblazer in the production of cool-climate wines in South Africa. Peter-Allan and Andrew’s decision to follow in their father’s footsteps while carving their own identity with Crystallum has been widely praised in the wine world.